nerve-racking

American  

[nurv-rak-ing] / ˈnɜrvˌræk ɪŋ /

Or nerve-wracking

adjective

1. extremely irritating, annoying, or trying.

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

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nerve-racking British  

adjective

1. very distressing, exhausting, or harrowing

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Etymology

Origin of nerve-racking

First recorded in 1805–15

Example Sentences

It’s nerve-racking enough for parents watching their son or daughter pitch.

From Los Angeles Times

“There is a little less anxiety now,” she added, recalling the nerve-racking days after Maduro’s forced exit.

From Los Angeles Times

Distribution — where you start to draw money from those funds, like an expensive wine in your cellar — can be nerve-racking.

From MarketWatch

That’s the nerve-racking thing to me about doing a movie next, is we won’t have that ability to have it evolve.

From Los Angeles Times

Many Americans’ most valuable asset is their home, and selling it can be nerve-racking.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• annoying
• stressful
• trying