neuroticism
nyoo-ROT-uh-siz-uhm
/njʊəˈrɒtɪsɪzəm/
A trait characterized by emotional instability, anxiety, moodiness, and susceptibility to psychological stress.
One of the Big Five personality traits; high scores reflect greater emotional vulnerability rather than mental illness.
The story behind the word. Evolved from 18th-century physician William Cullen's term 'neurosis', based on Greek 'neuron' (nerve). It shifted from nerve pathology to a major trait dimension.
Word relationships
- emotional instability: Emotional instability is a direct descriptive equivalent, whereas neuroticism is the formal psychological trait term.
- reactivity: Reactivity refers broadly to biological responsiveness, while neuroticism specifically involves negative emotionality.
- emotional stability: Emotional stability represents low neuroticism, characterized by calmness and stress tolerance.
- equanimity: Equanimity is mental composure and evenness of temper under stress.
Commonly confused with
- neurosis: Neurosis was an old clinical term for non-psychotic mental disorders; neuroticism is a normal personality dimension.
Word family
- neurotic (adjective): Displaying emotional instability or anxiety.
- neurotically (adverb): In a neurotic or overly anxious manner.
Collocations
- high neuroticism
- low neuroticism
- score in neuroticism
- dimension of neuroticism
Example sentences
- "Individuals high in neuroticism tend to experience stronger emotional reactions to everyday stressors." Personality Assessment
- "Researchers examined whether mindfulness meditation could decrease measurable levels of neuroticism." Clinical Research
Memory hook
High NEUROTICISM means your NEUROSES act up like ticking nerve clocks. NEURO (nerves) + TIC = nerves on edge.
When not to use
Do not use as a clinical diagnosis; neuroticism is a continuous personality dimension present in everyone to some degree.
Fun facts
- Across major global studies, neuroticism tends to gradually decrease as people age and gain life experience.
Related words
Explore more words
neurosis, timorous, jittery, foreboding, hypervigilance, tremulous
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