nail-biting

/ˈneɪlˌbaɪtɪŋ/

ADJECTIVE

1. Causing nervous anticipation or suspense

Creating intense nervousness, anxiety, or suspense because the outcome of a situation is uncertain, especially when something important is at stake.

Describes events, experiences, or situations that create intense suspense, nervous anticipation, or anxiety because their outcome is uncertain.

The movie's climax was so intense and nail-biting that the entire audience was on the edge of their seats.
The championship match turned into a thrilling, nail-biting showdown between the two top teams.
The detective novel had a plot so riveting and nail-biting that readers couldn't put it down.
The final moments of the game were truly nail-biting as the teams fought for victory.
The suspenseful TV series kept viewers hooked with its constant twists and turns, making it a real nail-biting experience.

Describes a state of heightened nervousness, apprehension, or restless anticipation while waiting for an important or uncertain event.

The nail-biting wait for the examination results left the students restless and anxious.
She experienced nail-biting anticipation before the final interview.
The family endured a nail-biting evening while waiting for news from the hospital.