acute worry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "acute worry" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong or intense feeling of concern or anxiety about something. Example: "She felt an acute worry about the upcoming exam, fearing she might not perform well."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

This type of activity is obviously an acute worry for any news organisation".

The Guardian - Tech

I stayed at the level of acute worry about electronic disconnection.

The New York Times

It is an acute worry for allied commanders as they gather combat troops to uphold a settlement in the province.

The Economist

Later, I feared being unlovable and alone for ever, which wasn't an acute worry so much as a crushing, persistent sense of doom.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Nicolas Véron, senior fellow at Bruegel, an economic research institute in Brussels, said, "Greece has enough cash over the summer so the very acute worry that Greece would be unable to pay in July has gone".

The New York Times

Obviously, it may require four solid days of rigorous exercise, acute worry, aching gluts and a stint of pirouetting beside a man who resembles an Oompa Loompa, but nevertheless, the magic is, feasibly, within.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

An even greater problem than today's acute worries may well be that, for too many American families, stress has essentially become a way of life, one that will live on, unexaminedly, even when our prospects otherwise improve.

The New York Times

If Iran were able to make high-placed friends in Egypt, where Mr Ahmadinejad is popular for defying the West, Israel's sense of encirclement by its most formidable adversary would be almost complete.For Iran, though, overseas opportunity comes at a time of acute domestic worry.

The Economist

Setting aside, for a moment, acute financial worries, furloughs might also help answer larger questions underlying the economic crisis: What will America look like when it is over?

The New York Times

After all Shelvey's unerringly accurate, high-energy assessment of passing angles has helped Newcastle banish their once-acute relegation worries courtesy of four straight victories, the last at Arsenal's expense last Sunday.

The Guardian - Sport

Movie theaters pose an acute source of worry for Americans who are used to walking through metal detectors at office towers and sports arenas.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "acute worry" to emphasize a sudden and intense feeling of concern, often related to a specific event or situation. This conveys a stronger sense of urgency than simply saying "worry".

Common error

Avoid using "acute worry" to describe long-term or chronic concerns. "Acute" implies a sharp, immediate feeling, so use terms like "chronic anxiety" or "persistent concern" for ongoing worries.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "acute worry" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective 'acute' modifies the noun 'worry'. It denotes a state of intense and immediate concern. As Ludwig highlights, it describes a strong feeling of anxiety.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "acute worry" is a phrase used to describe a sudden and intense feeling of concern or anxiety. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in written English. It is most commonly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a sharp, immediate concern rather than a chronic or long-term issue. Alternatives like "intense concern" or "grave concern" can be used to convey similar meanings, as shown by "Ludwig".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intense concern

Replaces "worry" with "concern" and "acute" with "intense", emphasizing the degree of concern.

grave concern

Emphasizes the seriousness and potential consequences of the worry.

serious apprehension

Substitutes both words to highlight the gravity and anticipation of negative outcomes.

urgent concern

Focuses on the immediate need to address the worry.

deep anxiety

Uses "anxiety" instead of "worry", portraying a more profound emotional response.

heightened anxiety

Focuses on the increased level of anxiety or stress.

extreme unease

Replaces "worry" with "unease" to suggest a lack of comfort and security.

substantial anxiety

Highlights the significant amount of anxiety experienced.

profound disquiet

Uses more formal language to express a significant sense of unease.

considerable trepidation

Highlights the fear and hesitation associated with the worry.

FAQs

How can I use "acute worry" in a sentence?

You can use "acute worry" to describe a sudden and intense feeling of concern about something specific. For example, "The news caused her "acute worry" about the future of her business."

What are some alternatives to "acute worry"?

Some alternatives to "acute worry" include "intense concern", "serious apprehension", or "grave concern". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "acute worry" or "severe worry"?

"Acute worry" suggests a sharp and sudden onset of concern, while "severe worry" implies a high degree of intensity. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the suddenness or the intensity of the worry. In most cases, those nuances are interchangeable.

What's the difference between "acute worry" and "general anxiety"?

"Acute worry" usually relates to a specific situation or event that causes immediate concern. "General anxiety", on the other hand, refers to a more persistent and pervasive feeling of worry that is not necessarily tied to a particular trigger.