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

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

“In this political climate, it can be pretty nerve-racking.”

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• annoying
• stressful
• trying