noun B2 Upper-Intermediate

neurosis

nuu-ROH-sihs

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Neurosis (noun) means a pattern of excessive anxiety or fear that is not severe enough to be classed as psychosis but still disrupts everyday functioning. Example: “His constant worrying about germs bordered on neurosis.”

noun

A pattern of excessive anxiety or fear that is not severe enough to be classed as psychosis but still disrupts everyday functioning.

"His constant worrying about germs bordered on neurosis."

"Therapy helped her work through years of underlying neurosis."

How to use neurosis

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn anxiety-driven mental disorder, milder than psychosis.

Common mistake

Neurosis involves anxiety while still being in touch with reality; psychosis involves losing touch with reality, such as through delusions or hallucinations.

Easily confused with

psychosis →

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: neuroses

Test yourself on “neurosis” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

His constant worrying about germs bordered on _____.

Etymology

From neuro- ("nerve") plus -sis, originally reflecting the old idea that such disorders came from problems in the nerves.

Synonyms

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neuroticism psychoneurosis

Related words

neuroticism

Rhymes for neurosis

meiosis mitosis osmosis stenosis acidosis zoonosis cyanosis necrosis hypnosis fibrosis silicosis apoptosis

See all rhymes for neurosis →

Frequently asked questions

What does “neurosis” mean?

The word “neurosis” means a pattern of excessive anxiety or fear that is not severe enough to be classed as psychosis but still disrupts everyday functioning. In plain terms, an anxiety-driven mental disorder, milder than psychosis.

How do you pronounce “neurosis”?

“Neurosis” is pronounced nuu-ROH-sihs (/n(j)ʊˈɹoʊ̯.sɪs/ in IPA).

How do you use “neurosis” in a sentence?

Here is “neurosis” used in a sentence: “His constant worrying about germs bordered on neurosis.”

What part of speech is “neurosis”?

“Neurosis” is a noun.

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