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

Younger adults in particular are less conscientious, agreeable, extroverted and open to new experiences than past generations, while neuroticism — marked by anxiety and emotional instability — is rising. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2025

People most sensitive are those who score low in self-esteem and high in neuroticism, who are fearful of negative evaluation, and who are generally pessimistic. —Big Think, 13 Aug. 2025

Higher neuroticism means greater sensitivity to stress and negative emotion, which can tip into anxiety, depression, or burnout. —Dave Winsborough, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025

The paper focused on the Big Five personality traits used in psychology: Extraversion Agreeableness Conscientiousness Emotional stability (neuroticism) Openness Here are the workouts that each personality type found the most exciting. —Renée Onque, CNBC, 2 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1900, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for neuroticism

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

Medical Definition

neuroticism

noun

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

: a neurotic character, condition, or trait