neuroticism

noun

neu·​rot·​i·​cism nu̇-ˈrä-tə-ˌsi-zəm 

nyu̇-

: a neurotic character, condition, or trait

Examples of neuroticism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In humans, traits such as neuroticism and recklessness appear to have some evolutionary basis—emerging perhaps to provide our species with sentries who alerted us to threats, and with explorers who led the way to new food sources. — Vann R. Newkirk Ii, The Atlantic, 28 July 2026

Meanwhile, neuroticism was negatively linked to quality of life in these later years. — Refractor, 27 July 2026

The highest scorers in neuroticism are most likely to report skepticism toward AI, citing concerns about job security, accuracy and the unintended consequences of quick adoption. — Megan Malone, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2026

These dimensions, called the Big Five personality traits, include things like extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, openness, and neuroticism. — Jamie Friedlander Serrano, Time, 13 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1900, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for neuroticism

• activism
• albinism
• altruism
• aneurism
• animism
• aphorism
• atomism
• barbarism
• bolshevism
• botulism
• brahmanism
• calvinism

Medical Definition

neuroticism

noun

neu·​rot·​i·​cism n(y)u̇-ˈrät-ə-ˌsiz-əm 

: a neurotic character, condition, or trait