trepidation

/ˌtrɛpɪˈdeɪʃ(ə)n/noun

A nervous, fearful feeling about something that might happen.

Example sentence

“He walked into the interview room with some trepidation.”

Formal, and almost always in the phrase 'with (some) trepidation'. Milder than dread, stronger than nervousness.

Featured as word of the day on May 25, 2026.

Related words

tribeA social and ethnic group that is bigger than a clan or band, though smaller than a nation, and may itself contain several clans.trekA long, hard journey, often made on foot.trivialNot important or valuable; minor.treatmentThe medical help given to someone who is sick or hurt.trolleyA streetcar or small light-rail vehicle that runs on tracks in a city.treadmillAn exercise machine with a moving belt that lets you walk or run without going anywhere.