nerve-racking

[/nɜːrv ˈrækɪŋ/]
adjective
angustiante
1. causing stress, anxiety, or tension; extremely disturbing or annoying to the nerves
The job interview was nerve-racking and I could barely sleep the night before.
A entrevista de emprego foi angustiante e mal consegui dormir na noite anterior.
2. making someone feel very worried or frightened
Watching the final minutes of the match was nerve-racking for all the fans.
Assistir aos minutos finais do jogo foi angustiante para todos os torcedores.
This term is commonly used in both American and Brazilian English contexts, particularly when discussing high-pressure situations like job interviews, medical procedures, or competitive events. In Brazil, 'angustiante' carries emotional weight and is used to describe situations that cause internal distress, while 'estressante' has become increasingly popular with modern usage influenced by English.
NYC Slang
mad stressful; sketch
Synonyms / Sinônimos
stressfulanxiety-inducingharrowingtenseworryingunsettling
Antonyms / Antônimos
relaxingcalmingsoothingcomforting

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
angustiante
most common translation across Brazil
General Brazilian
estressante
widely used alternative, especially in modern contexts
General Brazilian
que deixa os nervos à flor da pele
more colloquial expression meaning 'that leaves nerves on edge'
Portugal
stressante
Portuguese often uses the English loanword directly

Related Words

nerveanxietystresstensionnervousanxiety-provoking

Related Idioms & Phrases

on pins and needles
a bundle of nerves
fit to be tied
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