neurotic means affected with a neurosis. It carries an Arena rating of 1500, earned across 2 head-to-head judged battles.
Among words judged in Lexicurio's Arena, neurotic ranks #3,299 of 14,438 for Most Storied Words, #7,082 of 14,423 for Most Sublime Words, #7,181 of 14,451 for Most Whimsical Words, #7,204 of 14,297 for Best Fossil-Poetry Words.
neurotic is pronounced /n(j)ʊəˈɹɒtɪk/.
Why “neurotic” is a great word
Suffering from a chronic but relatively mild mental condition, typically involving anxiety, obsessive thoughts, or compulsive behaviors. From neuro- (from Ancient Greek νεῦρον (neûron, "nerve")) + -otic ("having an abnormal condition"), attested from the 17th century. Unlike "obsessive," which narrows to a specific, intrusive fixation, or "unstable," which suggests a volatile unpredictability, "neurotic" describes the quieter, more persistent hum of internalized suffering. It is the meticulous rechecking of a locked door, the stomach knotting at an ambiguous social cue, and the elaborate, self-defeating ritual performed not for pleasure but for the temporary relief of a psychic itch; a life lived in perpetual, low-grade negotiation with one's own mind.
Etymology
Formed of neuro- (“of nerves or the nervous system”) + -otic (“having abnormal condition”). The initial element, in turn, is from Ancient Greek νεῦρον (neûron, “nerve”). Attested from the 17th century. Compare French névrotique.
adj
- Affected with a neurosis.“If there were such a thing as inspiration from a higher realm, it might well be that the neurotic temperament would furnish the chief condition of the requisite receptivity.”
- Overly anxious.“He is getting neurotic about time-keeping.”
- Useful in disorders of, or affecting, the nerves.
noun
- A person who has a neurosis.
- A crazy person.“DYSART: ...Advanced neurotics can be dazzling at that game. They aim unswervingly at your area of maximum vulnerability...”
Words closest in meaning
By meaning, not spelling — each word's AI semantic fingerprint, nearest first.
- paranoia 85% match — A psychotic disorder, now called delusional disorder, often (in one of six subtypes) characterized by delusions of persecution and a perceived threat against the individual affected with the disorder, and often associated with false accusations and a general mistrust of others. vs neurotic →
- hysteria 84% match — Behavior exhibiting excessive or uncontrollable emotions, in a wide range from joy to panic but usually including anxiety or fear. vs neurotic →
- hypochondriac 83% match — Related to, or affected by hypochondria. vs neurotic →
- scrupulosity 82% match — The property of being scrupulous; excessive attention to scruples. vs neurotic →
- dysphoria 82% match — A state of feeling unwell or unhappy; a feeling of emotional and mental discomfort and suffering from restlessness, malaise, depression, or anxiety. vs neurotic →
- valetudinarian 82% match — Sickly, infirm, of ailing health; related to ill health. vs neurotic →
- idiosyncrasy 82% match — A behavior or way of thinking that is characteristic of a person or a group. vs neurotic →
- panophobia 82% match — A condition of groundless fears. vs neurotic →