nervous wreck

1. An individual suffering from extreme agitation or worry, as in Pat was a nervous wreck until her mother arrived at the wedding. This expression is nearly always used hyperbolically. [Colloquial; c. 1900] Also see basket case.

Example Sentences

Kirby, whom I first noticed in the great Canadian series “Slings & Arrows,” a Shakespeare-themed backstage comedy not unlike “Étoile,” and who played a convincing Lenny Bruce in “Maisel,” rockets between nervous energy and being a nervous wreck as Jack; his flying up and down stairs is a motif here.

From Los Angeles Times

Alexander Bell also told the court that on 26 March he was at a friend's house when his brother turned up looking like a "nervous wreck", saying "they are going to end up murdering her" or "they are going to end up doing away with her".

From BBC

Cronin described himself as a “nervous wreck” coming into the game given that the Thunderbirds had taken unbeaten Loyola Chicago down to the final minute before falling for their first loss.

From Los Angeles Times

Back then, and even now, the assumption is that any 20-year-old rookie entering the major leagues, especially one who didn’t speak English, would be quiet, a bit intimidated, often a nervous wreck.

From Los Angeles Times

Speaking after the hearing, the woman said she was left a "nervous wreck" after Mr Davies' "horrendous" conduct.

From BBC

Related Words

• agitated 
• anxious 
• apprehensive 
• edgy 
• excited 
• jittery 
• nervous 
• restive 
• shaky 
• strained 
• stressful 
• uneasy