nervousness

[ nur-vuhs-nis ]

noun

1. the state or condition of being highly, acutely, or unnaturally uneasy or excitable:

   There is always an element of nervousness or stage fright in public speaking.

   High levels of thyroid hormones can cause side effects such as weight loss, rapid heart rate, and nervousness.

Other Words From

• non·nerv·ous·ness noun
• o·ver·nerv·ous·ness noun
• sem·i·nerv·ous·ness noun
• un·nerv·ous·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of nervousness¹

nervous ( def ) + -ness ( def )

Example Sentences

"We started the game well, and I felt some nervousness, some doubts in half-time because we conceded the goal," Clement said post-match.

From BBC

"This has been reflected in the spike in UK gilt yields to some extent, but given that sterling has remained lower against the dollar, it also indicates that there is a growing nervousness about the way Labour is steering the economy."

From BBC

There remains some nervousness among borrowers and consumers in general about what will happen in the Budget, announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves on 30 October.

From BBC

Electricity isn’t what’s running through the crowd, more like pre-nauseated nervousness.

From Los Angeles Times

Still, the nervousness is understandable, since most coverage of this strike has been framed around the potential economic impact, all the more compounded by the impending presidential election.

From Slate

Related Words

• agitation
• anger
• disquiet
• impatience
• jitters
• sensitivity
• stage fright
• stress
• tension
• turbulence
• uneasiness
• worry