dyspeptic

American  

[dis-pep-tik] / dɪsˈpɛp tɪk /

adjective

1. pertaining to, subject to, or suffering from dyspepsia.

2. gloomy, pessimistic, and irritable.

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noun

1. a person subject to or suffering from dyspepsia.

dyspeptic British  

/ dɪsˈpɛptɪk /

adjective

1. relating to or suffering from dyspepsia

2. irritable

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noun

1. a person suffering from dyspepsia

Other Word Forms

• dyspeptically adverb
• nondyspeptic adjective
• nondyspeptical adjective
• nondyspeptically adverb

Etymology

Origin of dyspeptic

1685–95; dys- + Greek peptikós pertaining to digestion, equivalent to pept ( ós ) digested ( pep- cook, digest + -tos past participle suffix) + -ikos -ic

Explanation

Dyspeptic is an old-fashioned word not often used anymore. It describes someone who is irritable due to depression or indigestion. Nowadays we separate people who are depressed from people who are cranky because of indigestion, but dyspeptic rolls both these conditions into one ball of fun. A common dyspeptic type would be an old man shouting "Get off my lawn!" to kids playing on the street.

Example Sentences

Better is Danny Elfman’s spartan and fraught score, particularly the dyspeptic drums.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 8, 2026

Now, what tired, achy, occasionally dyspeptic middle-aged person doesn’t like the sound of that?

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 7, 2025

Here, next to photos of Saban pacing the sideline in dyspeptic determination, Alabama was a byword for discipline and achievement.

From New York Times • Jan. 11, 2024

His characteristically dyspeptic interview in the Wall Street Journal trivializes the intelligence and individuality of Sotomayor, Kagan, and Jackson for no apparent reason beyond petty resentment.

From Slate • Jul. 31, 2023

I felt sleepy, ill, as if this were some lingering and dyspeptic dream.

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt