angst

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'angst' is correct and is commonly used in written English.
Generally, angst is used to describe a feeling of intense anxiety, apprehension, or insecurity. For example, "Lily felt a deep sense of angst as she waited to find out the results of her exam."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

All these romantics aren't good for you, you know," he says, rather patronisingly, as he helps her collect the books she has hurled out of a window in a fit of teenage angst.

The Guardian - Film

In Following the Rabbit-Proof Fence, a behind-the-scenes documentary released after the film, there are short moments where her angst as an 11-year-old is glimpsed.

The Guardian - Film

"You only get one chance to pollinate over 1 quadrillion kernels," said Bill Lapp, president of Advanced Economic Solutions, a Omaha-based commodity consulting firm: "There's always some level of angst at this time of year, but it's significantly greater now and with good reason.

The Guardian - Opinion

For all that there is a tradition of left-leaning euroscepticism that goes back to such figures as Tony Benn, the vast majority of our current angst about Europe is traceable to the political right.

The Guardian

In an interview with MSNBC's Rachel Maddow on Wednesday, Little Rock mayor Mark Stodola said he had told Hutchinson that "anything this divisive – anything that causes so much angst and debate and anguish – is simply not good for this state, is certainly not good for Indiana.

The Guardian

Currently, the hottest thing in a glass is Elixir Tonic's Liquid Yoga, an apricot-flavoured drink that's 'great for those needing a respite from angst, distress and worry' and can't be bothered to do their sun salutations.

The Guardian - Travel

It is more than capable of dealing with deeper issues like alienation, tech noir and teen angst.

The Guardian

For the moment, I'm going to keep my angst under control, and my daughter helmet-free.

The Guardian - Opinion

Yet it was otherwise an afternoon of angst and soul-searching for Rodgers and all of those connected to the club.

The Guardian - Sport

Although Lester whacks off in the shower, lusts and drools over his daughter's sultry best friend and blackmails his boss when he is fired, the film concerns itself as much with suburban morality and teenage angst as it does with the male menopause.

The Guardian - Film

What's more, I am not immune to parental dietary angst.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "angst", consider the audience and context. While widely understood, it carries a certain weight that might not be suitable for overly casual or informal settings.

Common error

Avoid using "angst" to describe everyday worries or minor inconveniences. Overusing the term can dilute its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic or insincere.

Linguistic Context

The word "angst" functions primarily as a noun, denoting a state of deep anxiety or emotional turmoil. As seen in Ludwig, the term appears in contexts ranging from teenage experiences to broader societal concerns, highlighting its capacity to describe a wide range of emotional states.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "angst" is a grammatically correct and frequently used term to describe deep-seated anxiety or apprehension. According to Ludwig AI, it is a noun that functions to express intense feelings, often in the context of philosophical or existential concerns. While suitable for both formal and informal contexts, it's crucial to avoid overusing it in mild situations. As evidenced by Ludwig's examples, the term appears most commonly in News & Media, reflecting its relevance to societal and personal emotional states. Considering alternatives like "anxiety" or "worry" can provide nuance depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

anxiety

Focuses on the feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome.

apprehension

Highlights a feeling of dread or anticipation of misfortune.

unease

Emphasizes a lack of comfort or peace of mind.

worry

Centers on the state of being troubled about actual or potential problems.

trepidation

Implies a feeling of fear or agitation about something that may happen.

dread

Indicates intense fear or apprehension related to a future event.

disquiet

Stresses a state of anxiety or restlessness.

misgiving

Suggests a feeling of doubt or apprehension about the outcome or consequences of something.

perturbation

Highlights a state of being disturbed or agitated.

distress

Focuses on the state of extreme anxiety, sorrow, or pain.

FAQs

How can I use "angst" in a sentence?

"Angst" is often used to describe a deep feeling of anxiety or apprehension, especially about existential matters. For example, "The character's "angst" about the future was palpable."

What's a simpler word for "angst"?

While "angst" implies a profound sense of anxiety, you could use simpler words like "anxiety", "worry", or "unease" depending on the context.

Is "angst" a formal or informal word?

"Angst" is generally considered a neutral term, suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although its intensity makes it more common in serious discussions.

How does "angst" differ from simple "worry"?

"Angst" goes beyond simple worry; it suggests a more profound and existential sense of dread, often without a clear cause. "Worry" typically relates to specific concerns, while "angst" is a more generalized feeling of unease.