Which is correct: nerve-wracking or nerve-racking?
To describe something as extremely irritating, annoying, or trying; (as in, a nerve-racking day; or a nerve-racking noise), we often use the phrase “nerve-wracking”.
Still, questions remain on how to properly spell the phrase, is it wracking, wrecking, or racking?
The original phrase is nerve-racking, and first appeared in a letter by the poet Shelley in 1812, (according to this BBC article). It wasn’t until later in the 20th century that nerve-wracking began to appear in usage (as an advert in the Times for a polar expedition).
Nowadays, both nerve-racking and nerve-wrecking are common in use and accepted. Nerve-wrecking, however, is a nonstandard variant, and best to avoid.
Meaning of ‘nerve-wracking’ (or nerve-racking)
Something being described as nerve-wracking means it is extremely irritating, annoying or trying on the nerves. In conversation you may hear someone say, “I had to go out and find a new job, which is always a nerve-racking experience.”
“Nerve-racking”, examples in sentences
| Examples: “nerve-racking” |
|---|
| My wedding was the most nerve-racking thing I’ve ever experienced. His driving test was a nerve-racking ordeal The nerve-racking wait to learn the identities of the passengers who were killed in the plane crash. |
Nerve-racking, synonyms
- nervous
- uneasy
- tense
- anxious
- unnerving
- unsettling
- distressing
- troublesome
- worrisome
- strained
- nail-biting
- disquieting
Read about other misused words
Sources
- “Nerve-racking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster. Accessed 25 May. 2024.
