neuroticism

noun

neu·​rot·​i·​cism nu̇-ˈrä-tə-ˌsi-zəm How to pronounce neuroticism (audio)
nyu̇-
: a neurotic character, condition, or trait

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web The researchers confirmed that people who experienced ASMR had higher levels of neuroticism. Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 22 Aug. 2022 Being more conscientious and extroverted keeps mild cognitive impairment at bay longer, while having higher levels of neuroticism increases the chances of cognitive decline, according to a study published Monday in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 11 Apr. 2022 Gosling’s study employed the Big Five personality model, which isolates five major personality dimensions: agreeableness, conscientiousness, extraversion, neuroticism and openness. Richard Pallardy, Discover Magazine, 2 Dec. 2021 Spada’s research also suggests that people who score highly on measures of neuroticism have been more likely to develop health anxiety during the pandemic, which is in turn correlated with the development of generalized anxiety and depression. Time, 20 Sep. 2022 The model asserts that each personality is comprised of a combination of five core traits: openness, conscientiousness, extroversion, agreeableness and neuroticism (known by the acronym OCEAN). Brianna Randall, Discover Magazine, 10 Apr. 2021 Coined by Lewis Goldberg in the 1980s, the Big Five results are organized around levels of openness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism. Alex Dunham, Quartz, 12 Dec. 2022 The middle-aged group, however, had less neuroticism. Byalexa Mikhail, Fortune, 28 Sep. 2022 This type is associated with depression, anxiety, aggression, neuroticism, impulse buying, and low empathy. Erica Sweeney, Men's Health, 23 Sep. 2022 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'neuroticism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1900, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of neuroticism was in 1900

Dictionary Entries Near neuroticism

Cite this Entry

“Neuroticism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/neuroticism. Accessed 3 Jun. 2023.

Medical Definition

neuroticism

noun
neu·​rot·​i·​cism n(y)u̇-ˈrät-ə-ˌsiz-əm How to pronounce neuroticism (audio)
: a neurotic character, condition, or trait

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