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

Time and again people have really been nervous about what could happen.

From Vox

Palmer Luckey’s young defense company has been selected by the Air Force for work on a cutting-edge, multibillion-dollar nervous system for war.

From TechCrunch

This is normal and critical to the development of organ systems in the fetus, like the lungs, liver and central nervous system.

From No Straight News

He keeps a nervous eye on the boxes of candy and gum, knowing that he’ll have to throw them out if they expire before someone buys them.

From ProPublica

The idea that the mathematics for an optimal blind search strategy might be embedded in the very structure of a nervous system feels like a question that needs to be answered.

From Quanta Magazine

Others on the RSD forum would deconstruct his approach: “too aggressive,” “too many questions,” “nervousness in your voice,” etc.

From The Daily Beast

Her nervousness about its content made her decide to publish it under a pseudonym, for reasons that would later become clear.

From The Daily Beast

His brown eyes were penetrating yet peaceful, and he immediately disarmed my nervousness with his gentleness.

From The Daily Beast

Adding to the nervousness are mixed messages from those who are supposed to be in the know.

From The Daily Beast

They helped keep my nervousness and dread at a low boil, as I began to write a book about a writer at my age.

From The Daily Beast

"No; his coming has taken me by surprise," replied Hartledon, with a nervousness he could not wholly conceal.

From Project Gutenberg

In sheer nervousness, Hilda also dropped to her knees on the hearthrug, and began to worry the fire with the poker.

From Project Gutenberg

Once on my legs I found that nervousness left me, words came freely and I even enjoyed the novel experience.

From Project Gutenberg

After a few days of excessive nervousness the most timorous among the women were heard to complain of the monotony of existence!

From Project Gutenberg

I hope he will succeed next time, but his nervousness renders it still more doubtful.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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