nerve-racking

or nerve-wrack·ing

[ nurv-rak-ing ]

adjective

1. extremely irritating, annoying, or trying:

   a nerve-racking day; a nerve-racking noise.

nerve-racking

adjective

1. very distressing, exhausting, or harrowing

Word History and Origins

Origin of nerve-racking¹

First recorded in 1805–15

Example Sentences

It was very nerve-racking for me to go after spending so many years hating the addiction so much.

From Los Angeles Times

Ms Demsar, who is Canadian, said the delays on Monday were "nerve-racking".

From BBC

What’s inarguable is that “nuclear deterrent” is a nerve-racking concept, especially if voters once again hand the “godlike power” to launch a nuclear strike to Donald Trump.

From Los Angeles Times

"The idea of putting himself back in the public eye is nerve-racking but ultimately, he thought it the right thing to do."

From BBC

It’s a nerve-racking time to be a frequent flier in the United States.

From New York Times

Related Words

• annoying
• stressful
• trying