agitation

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'agitation' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is used to refer to a feeling of annoyance or restlessness caused by being dissatisfied or bored. For example, "The child was filled with agitation due to the long wait in the crowded restaurant".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is now abundantly clear that those issues are being manipulated by darker forces intent on agitation.

The Guardian - Opinion

The manager has repeated his agitation with the bankers who have a firm grip on Rangers' financial affairs.

The Guardian - Sport

This time, however, their anxieties have a different texture, and are best understood in the context of ongoing republican and nationalist agitation as well as concerns about the very existence of the union.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It doesn't taste of anything," protests the 27-year-old Turner, the carefully coiffed curl at the front of his quiff shaking slightly with agitation.

The Guardian - Music

Thanks to Walker's agitation, the burial problem would receive detailed parliamentary scrutiny.

The Guardian

There's more agitation for the 24-year-old singer, songwriter, poet, dramatist, actor and annoyingly nice over-achiever: he and his band failed to secure visas for this visit so opted not to bring any of their gear, lest they arouse the suspicion of US immigration.

The Guardian - Music

She told Judge Jonathan Teale: "Their honourable and decent motives perhaps might be contrasted with what we now know about the long-term deployment of undercover police officers, one of whom acted on the 'extreme boundary of legality', if not decency, if the reports of agitation and so on across Europe are to be believed.

The Guardian

Nato's plans would need to include not just conventional forces, he added, but countering "political agitation and subversion, cyber-attack, hostile propaganda and other destabilising effects".

The Guardian

The pro-Israel lobby lives in permanent nervous agitation.

The Guardian - Opinion

The scene reminded me of Mark Philippoussis's nervous agitation as he stood next to Roger Federer before they both walked on to centre court for the 2003 Wimbledon final.

The Guardian - Sport

It's clear it's their first time at Brookvale, and they're sort of expecting it to be another world, perhaps with agitation.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "agitation", consider the specific context. It can refer to physical movement, emotional disturbance, or political unrest. Choose synonyms carefully to match the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "agitation" in very casual conversations. Simpler words like "worry", "fuss", or "excitement" may be more appropriate for informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The word "agitation" primarily functions as a noun, referring to a state of anxiety, disturbance, or public excitement. It describes both emotional and political states. Ludwig AI confirms that "agitation" is a correct and usable word.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Formal & Business

24%

Science

22%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "agitation" is a versatile noun used to describe emotional, physical, and political unrest. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts. While generally neutral to formal, its use is widespread in news, business, and scientific domains. Related terms include "unrest", "commotion", and "turmoil", each carrying slightly different connotations. To use "agitation" effectively, consider its context and choose synonyms carefully to match your intended meaning. Also, avoid using "agitation" in very casual contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unrest

Focuses more on a state of disturbance or dissatisfaction, often on a societal level.

commotion

Emphasizes noisy or turbulent activity and disorder.

turmoil

Highlights a state of great disturbance, confusion, or uncertainty.

disturbance

Indicates an interruption of peace, quiet, or order.

ferment

Suggests a state of excitement or unrest, often leading to change or development.

uproar

Implies a noisy and excited reaction or expression of disapproval.

perturbation

Highlights mental uneasiness or disquiet.

tumult

Emphasizes a loud, confused noise, especially one caused by a large mass of people.

excitement

Focuses on a state of enthusiasm and eagerness.

upheaval

Indicates a violent or sudden disruption or disturbance.

FAQs

How can I use "agitation" in a sentence?

You can use "agitation" to describe a state of anxiety, unrest, or political mobilization. For example, "The constant noise caused her great agitation" or "The political "agitation" led to significant reforms".

What are some synonyms for "agitation"?

Depending on the context, you can replace "agitation" with words like "unrest", "commotion", "turmoil", or "disturbance".

Is "agitation" a formal or informal word?

"Agitation" is generally considered a neutral to formal word. While appropriate in news reports and formal writing, it might sound out of place in very casual conversations.

What's the difference between "agitation" and "excitement"?

"Agitation" often carries a negative connotation, implying anxiety or disturbance, while "excitement" is typically positive, referring to enthusiasm and eagerness. However, both words can involve heightened emotional states.