jumpy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "jumpy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is nervous, anxious, or easily startled. Example: "After watching the horror movie, I felt jumpy every time I heard a noise in the house."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The British crown wields great influence internationally, which explains why foreign heads of state often get jumpy when they meet the Queen.

The Guardian

But the police seem a little more jumpy than unusual, cars are being towed by bomb disposal experts, office workers are regularly moved out of buildings by bomb scares, gathering in courtyards or the street to chat, smoke and wait.

The Guardian - Opinion

Far more likely the organisers, some of whom are also responsible for Jaipur's festival, simply wanted to avoid any needless confrontations with the jumpy state government.

The Economist

Regulators are jumpy about who runs banks: TPG has reportedly promised WaMu's supervisor that it will not use its holding to exercise control.

The Economist

But as the nervous response to electoral uncertainty has shown, the markets are jumpy, and thus vulnerable to unexpected shocks.

The Economist

Some investors are jumpy, too.

The Economist

Although many of the Special Republican Guard and other security forces had been killed or had fled, non-Iraqi Arab fighters seasoned, determined jihadis were doing their job for them.Civilians were frightened; American troops, who killed three journalists on April 8th, were jumpy too, some of them firing first and asking questions later.

The Economist

Only Europe can help in eastern Chad, they say: in such a jumpy part of the world, an American-led operation would be counterproductive.

The Economist

Hong Kong's government and officials in Beijing have reason to feel jumpy.

The Economist

Bank shares have sunk.In this section Chasing the dream How India got its funk A step too far Dash for cash The apprentices ReprintsOn August 14th jumpy officials tightened capital controls in an attempt to stop locals taking money out of the country (see article).

The Economist

Mr Oudea rejects the idea of a systemic failure, arguing that the loss was a product of a particular time and place: a period of rapid growth in equity derivatives, which overstretched the bank's capacity to monitor itself, and a peripheral trading desk where people were less jumpy about the risk of fraud.Clients seem willing to give SocGen the benefit of the doubt.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing people, use "jumpy" to convey a sense of heightened anxiety or nervousness that may not be readily apparent. For instance, "the new recruit was jumpy during the exercise" suggests underlying stress.

Common error

Avoid using "jumpy" to describe something physically unstable, like a shaky table. Instead, use words like "wobbly" or "unsteady" to accurately describe its physical state.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "jumpy" primarily functions to describe a state of heightened nervousness or anxiety, often characterized by being easily startled. Ludwig AI's examples show its use in contexts ranging from describing individuals to markets, all sharing this common thread.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "jumpy" functions as an adjective denoting nervousness, anxiety, or being easily startled. Ludwig AI analysis, drawing from a wide range of examples primarily from News & Media, confirms that the term is grammatically correct and very common in use. While "jumpy" maintains a neutral register, it is frequently employed to describe people, markets, or situations characterized by unease. If you're seeking alternative expressions, consider using phrases such as "on edge" or "jittery" to add precision and nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on edge

Focuses more on the feeling of anticipation and unease.

jittery

Emphasizes the physical manifestation of nervousness, like trembling.

apprehensive

Highlights the anticipation of something negative or unpleasant.

anxious

A broader term indicating worry and unease about potential events.

nervous

A general term for feeling worried, uneasy, or fearful.

uptight

Implies a state of tension and rigidity, often due to stress.

restless

Indicates an inability to stay still or relax due to anxiety.

high-strung

Describes someone who is easily excitable and reactive.

on tenterhooks

Suggests a state of suspense and anxiety, awaiting an outcome.

uneasy

Conveys a general feeling of discomfort and lack of peace.

FAQs

How can I use "jumpy" in a sentence?

You can use "jumpy" to describe someone who is easily startled or nervous, like "The loud noise made the cat jumpy." It can also describe a situation, such as "The markets are jumpy due to the economic uncertainty."

What is a more formal alternative to "jumpy"?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives like "apprehensive", "anxious", or "restless", depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "jumpy"?

"Jumpy" is suitable in informal and semi-formal contexts to describe a state of heightened nervousness or excitability. It's especially apt when the nervousness is visible or easily triggered.

What's the difference between "jumpy" and "nervous"?

While both words describe unease, "jumpy" implies a more reactive and easily startled state than "nervous". Someone who is "nervous" might be generally worried, while someone who is "jumpy" is easily startled by sudden stimuli.