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Showing results for nervousness. Search instead for onerousnesses.
Synonyms

nervousness

American  
[nur-vuhs-nis] / ˈnɜr vəs nɪs /

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 Word Forms

  • nonnervousness noun
  • overnervousness noun
  • seminervousness noun
  • unnervousness noun

Etymology

Origin of nervousness

nervous ( def. ) + -ness ( def. )

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The sell-off - part of a global correction in traditional software and IT stocks - preceded the market nervousness caused by recent geopolitical uncertainty, and is particularly significant for India.

From BBC • Mar. 16, 2026

“There is this nervousness about flowback to the banks,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 13, 2026

Fears of disruption by artificial intelligence keep crashing different areas of the market and while trucking and transport stocks are the latest victims, it’s a sign of a wider nervousness about stretched valuations.

From Barron's • Feb. 13, 2026

"The world is quite a scary place and unless children are prepared, I think that can evoke quite a lot of anxiety and nervousness and fear."

From BBC • Feb. 10, 2026

An awful, wonderful nervousness seized me around the throat.

From "A Very Large Expanse of Sea" by Tahereh Mafi

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.