nerve-racking

adjective

nerve-rack·​ing ˈnərv-ˌra-kiŋ How to pronounce nerve-racking (audio)
variants or nerve-wracking
: extremely trying on the nerves
a nerve-racking ordeal
The job interview was a nerve-racking experience.

Examples of nerve-racking in a Sentence

the nerve-racking wait to learn the identities of the passengers who were killed in the plane crash
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
With each nerve-racking step, the anticipation of the flush builds. Chris Dorsey, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025 With a meditation tape on and old nightmares in his head, the images flicker between ocean waves and nerve-racking curves, from zen calm to zen focus. Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2025 One of the most nerve-racking parts is the home inspection. Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 16 June 2025 This is the nerve-racking question that has been circling in the mind of the Venezuelan mother in New York City all week. Nicole Acevedo, NBC news, 27 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for nerve-racking

Word History

First Known Use

1812, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nerve-racking was in 1812

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Cite this Entry

“Nerve-racking.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nerve-racking. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

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