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.

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of nervousness

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

Example Sentences

Broadcom’s stock has fallen 9% this year, despite a 64% jump over 12 months, amid software selloffs and investor nervousness.

From Barron's • Mar. 4, 2026

"I could feel the nervousness inside the stadium," Slot said, after a strange game where Liverpool were clinical if not always in control.

From BBC • Feb. 28, 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

To challenge that, he made Clark Kent a nerd, hunching his shoulders, making him sputter with nervousness.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 7, 2026

Palmer’s nervousness lasted until he went to sleep that night, and resumed when his alarm clock woke him up next morning with the customary nip on the earlobe.

From "Wringer" by Jerry Spinelli

Related Words

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