nerve-wracking experience
1
5.5
- noun
- /ˈnɜrvˌrækɪŋ ɪkˈspɪərɪəns/
:
experiencia estresante
- You know, it is a nerve wracking experience and it can be in kind of a nervous room because it's so filled with everybody.
Examples
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Giving a speech in front of a large audience is a nerve-wracking experience that can make anyone anxious.
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Finally, we'll help you straight through the closing process, which can be a nerve-wracking experience.
Blog text (6) -
If you enjoyed the nerve-wracking experience provided by the good folks at Showtime, we have great news.
Blog text (31) -
High five the presenters: No matter how often someone speaks at a conference or trade show, it's still a bit of a nerve-wracking experience.
Blog text (16) -
Completing a job interview can often feel like a nerve-wracking experience for many applicants.
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Preparing for a big exam is usually a nerve-wracking experience for students who want to do well.
Synonyms
64
4.2
Making you feel worried or uneasy
20
5.0
Makes you feel very worried and tense
18
6.1
Causes a lot of worry and stress
15
7.4
That makes you feel very sad and upset
An event like an exam that makes you very anxious or stressed
Antonyms
How Stressful
Surface Forms
Morphology
nerve-wracking + experience
The meaning 'an experience that causes intense stress or anxiety' is directly derivable from combining 'nerve' (relating to one's nerves/anxiety) with 'wracking' (causing severe strain or torment) — effectively 'wracking the nerves.' This is a compositional, interpretable compound and a B1 learner who knows the constituent senses should be able to infer the overall meaning.
Etymology
The phrase nerve-wracking experience comes from an older use of wrack meaning 'to twist or hurt'. Imagine your nerves being twisted or pulled tight, and you can see why a nerve-wracking experience means 'very stressful' and 'worrying'.