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

Oil prices have risen above $100 a barrel, but Julius Baer said the increase may still be short-lived as the surge seems to come from nervousness and sentiment.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 9, 2026

So, even with the club's statement and Ratcliffe's qualified apology, it is easy to see why there may be some nervousness among club executives in the wake of the controversy.

From BBC • Feb. 16, 2026

There was nervousness in the arena, but nobody predicted such an abrupt ending.

From BBC • Feb. 7, 2026

Women who had gone through menopause were more likely than those who had not to seek help from a GP or psychiatrist for anxiety, nervousness, or depression.

From Science Daily • Feb. 7, 2026

Crab put his hand to his chest in astonishment, but an awkward nervousness washed over his face.

From "As Brave As You" by Jason Reynolds

Related Words

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