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neuroticism

American  
[noo-rot-uh-siz-uhm, nyoo-] / nʊˈrɒt əˌsɪz əm, njʊ- /

noun

  1. the state of having traits or symptoms characteristic of neurosis.


neuroticism British  
/ njʊˈrɒtɪˌsɪzəm /

noun

  1. a personality trait characterized by instability, anxiety, aggression, etc

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of neuroticism

First recorded in 1895–1900; neurotic 1 + -ism

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.

See Examples For:

Similarly, those characterized by higher conscientiousness, openness, and agreeableness, as well as lower neuroticism and extraversion, were also more likely to adopt healthier behaviors.

From Science Daily Apr. 16, 2024

For example, research shows that women who are higher in neuroticism and perfectionism, lower in self-compassion or lower in self-efficacy are all more likely to struggle with negative body image.

From Salon Feb. 22, 2024

Conscientiousness, for instance, was associated with higher scores in the study conducted by Maertens and his team, while neuroticism and narcissism were associated with lower scores.

From Scientific American Jul. 5, 2023

And then, of course, there’s this: “Females on average score higher than males on the personality trait of neuroticism, defined as anxiety, emotional volatility, and susceptibility to depression.”

From Slate Mar. 23, 2023

Irregularity and pain in menstruation are a frequent cause of neuroticism.

From The Sexual Question A Scientific, psychological, hygienic and sociological study by Forel, Auguste

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