This list includes 9 Emotions that start with N, from “Neediness” to “Numbness”. They range from everyday feelings to nuanced states used in writing, therapy, and character work.

Emotions that start with N are feeling words beginning with N that describe moods, needs, or bodily responses. Some, like “nostalgia,” trace back to Greek medicine, evolving from a diagnosis into a common emotional term.

Below you’ll find the table with Emotion, Type, Definition, and Example.

Emotion: The emotion word listed so you can quickly scan and choose terms for writing, study, or therapy.

Type: A concise label (Positive, Negative, Neutral) that helps you judge tone and likely use in context.

Definition: A short, one-sentence meaning that clarifies how the emotion is commonly understood and distinguished from similar feelings.

Example: A brief sentence showing the emotion in context so you can see natural usage and tone.

Emotions that start with N

EmotionTypePart of speechExample
NeutralNeutraladjectiveI felt neutral about the movie.
NostalgiaMixednounShe felt nostalgia for childhood summers.
NervousnessNegativenounHis nervousness showed before the interview.
NervesNegativenounHer nerves got the best of her during the exam.
NumbnessNegativenounAfter the loss he experienced emotional numbness.
NumbNegativeadjectiveI felt numb after hearing the news.
NeedinessNegativenounHis neediness strained their friendship over time.
NonchalanceNeutralnounShe answered the criticism with calm nonchalance.
NonplussedNeutraladjectiveHe was nonplussed by the sudden question.

Descriptions

Neutral
Absence of strong feelings, neither positive nor negative; common label for impartial or indifferent affect.
Nostalgia
Bittersweet longing for the past triggered by memories, music, or places; mixes warmth with melancholy.
Nervousness
Anxious arousal and worry about future events or evaluation, often accompanied by tension or restlessness.
Nerves
Colloquial term for anxiety or jitteriness; bodily and emotional tension in stressful situations.
Numbness
Blunted emotional responsiveness or detachment, commonly following trauma, grief, or overwhelming stress.
Numb
Describes a state of emotional deadening or shock when feelings are muted or inaccessible.
Neediness
Excessive seeking of reassurance, attention, or closeness, often rooted in insecurity or attachment concerns.
Nonchalance
A relaxed, seemingly indifferent attitude that can signal composure, dismissal, or disengagement.
Nonplussed
Marked surprise or bewilderment that leaves someone unsure how to respond; often a brief perplexed state.
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