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Definition of nervousness

nervousness

/ˈnɜːrvəsnəs/
ner · vous · ness
Adverb:nervously
•
Adjective:nervous
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nervousness Lexical Profile

nervousness Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The state or quality of being anxious, apprehensive, or easily agitated about an uncertain event or situation.

Example

"A sense of nervousness filled the backstage area just before the concert began."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for nervousness

• Nearby Words

nerviness
nervous
nervously
nervousness
nervy
nest
nestable

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in English from 'nervous' (from Latin 'nervosus', meaning 'sinewy' or 'vigorous', derived from 'nervus') combined with the Old English noun-forming suffix '-ness'. Its shift from denoting physical strength to emotional agitation occurred in the 18th century as medical understanding connected the nerves with psychological excitability.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Nervousness. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/nervousness
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