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”.
Her first solo performance was a nerve-racking experience.
The long wait for the exam results proved to be quite nerve-wracking.
Preparing for the presentation was truly nerve-wrecking.
The intense competition was very nerve-raking.
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. |
Correct spellings, avoid “nerve-wrecking.” Think: a `wreck` is wrong for your nerves. Use `nerve-racking` (like on a torture rack) or `nerve-wracking`.
Nerve-racking, synonyms
- nervous
- uneasy
- tense
- anxious
- unnerving
- unsettling
- distressing
- troublesome
- worrisome
- strained
- nail-biting
- disquieting
Read about other misused words
| Commonly misused words | UK English vs. US English |
|---|---|
| former vs. latter | burned or burnt? |
| bear with vs. bare with | color or colour? |
| breathe or breath | favorite vs. favourite |
| compliment vs. complement | smelled or smelt? |
| effect vs. affect | gray or grey? |
| elude or allude | favor vs. favour |
| it’s or its | analyze or analyse? |
Sources
- “Nerve-racking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster. Accessed 25 May. 2024.
Work Sheet
According to the blog post, which spelling is the original form?
Which spelling is explicitly stated as a nonstandard variant that should be avoided?
Both “nerve-racking” and “nerve-wracking” are considered:
The meaning of something described as “nerve-wracking” is that it is:
The original “racking” in “nerve-racking” is derived from:
Her first solo performance was a truly experience.
The long wait for the exam results proved to be quite .
Preparing for the presentation was truly , according to the blog’s usage notes.
The blog suggests remembering that a ‘‘ is wrong for your nerves to help avoid one incorrect spelling.
Both “nerve-racking” and “nerve-wracking” are spellings in modern usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the original spelling?
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Is nerve-wracking correct?
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Which nerve spelling should I avoid?
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What does nerve-racking mean?
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Where does the term “racking” come from?
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Yash, D. "Is it Nerve-Racking, Nerve-Wrecking or Nerve-Wracking?." Grammarflex, Jun 18, 2025, https://www.grammarflex.com/is-it-nerve-racking-nerve-wrecking-or-nerve-wracking/.
