anguish

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "anguish" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe severe mental or physical suffering, distress, or pain. Example: "After hearing the news of her friend's accident, she was overcome with anguish."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We will act differently from the Government we replace: we hear the anguish of our citizens and intend to respond accordingly.

The Guardian

Cultured, cosmopolitan Sarajevo became the epicentre and the icon of this anguish.

The Guardian - Books

What followed was beyond pandemonium: 37,000 Irish fans bellowed their delight while 37,000 Italian voices screamed in anguish and anger.

The Guardian - Sport

It was probably for the best that they gained both of their promotions by topping the Fourth and Third Division tables though, given their first taste of play-off anguish.

The Guardian - Sport

"As a husband and a father I cannot begin to imagine the anguish that the Weinstein and Lo Porto families are enduring today," he said.

The Guardian

Revelations that the beleaguered Cypriot government will have to find almost double the amount to meet the terms of the €10bn bailout – amid signs that the EU's wealthy north has tired of rescuing the bloc's heavily indebted south – have only sharpened her anguish.

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

Or that Iraqis might be fully realised human beings with complex inner lives who find joy in food and sunshine and family, and anguish in the murders of their children.

The Guardian - Opinion

It wasn't until I became a mother myself that I really started to appreciate the anguish and pain.

The Guardian

His room is scattered with old photographs taken from family and wedding albums, though he keeps his anguish quiet.

The Guardian

"In referring to 'a Polish death camp' rather than 'a Nazi death camp in German-occupied Poland,' I inadvertently used a phrase that has caused many Poles anguish over the years and that Poland has rightly campaigned to eliminate from public discourse around the world," Obama wrote at the time.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "anguish" to convey deep and often inconsolable suffering, whether physical or emotional. It's particularly effective when describing profound personal or collective pain.

Common error

Avoid using "anguish" to describe everyday disappointments or minor inconveniences. Its intensity should be reserved for truly profound suffering, as overuse can dilute its impact.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "anguish" is as a noun, referring to extreme suffering, pain, or distress. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is also used as a verb, meaning to suffer or cause suffering. Examples on Ludwig show its use in describing the emotional state of individuals and groups.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Books

15%

Opinion

10%

Less common in

Lifestyle

5%

Sport

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "anguish" is a versatile term used to describe intense suffering, whether physical or emotional. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions primarily as a noun but can also be a verb. Predominantly found in formal and neutral contexts like news and literature, "anguish" effectively conveys profound pain. While grammatically correct and very common, it should be reserved for situations of genuine and significant suffering to maintain its impact. Consider alternatives such as "agony" or "torment" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

agony

Denotes extreme physical or mental suffering, often implying a more intense and prolonged experience than "anguish".

agony

Extreme or prolonged suffering.

torment

Suggests a state of severe suffering, often inflicted by an external source or internal conflict. It emphasizes the ongoing nature of the pain.

torment

Extreme physical or mental suffering.

suffering

A broad term for enduring pain or distress, encompassing both physical and emotional experiences. It's a more general term than "anguish".

distress

Indicates a state of anxiety, sorrow, or pain. It often implies a more immediate and reactive experience than "anguish".

excruciating pain

Highlights the intense physical or emotional hurt experienced.

heartache

Specifically refers to emotional pain or grief, often associated with loss or disappointment. It's more specific than "anguish", which can also include physical pain.

grief

A deep sorrow, especially that caused by someone's death. While "anguish" can be part of grief, grief encompasses a broader range of emotional responses.

misery

A state of great unhappiness or suffering. It focuses on the overall condition rather than the intensity of a specific pain.

FAQs

How can I use "anguish" in a sentence?

"Anguish" can be used to describe intense mental or physical suffering. For example, "The family felt great anguish after the loss of their home."

What are some alternatives to "anguish"?

Alternatives to "anguish" include "agony", "torment", or "suffering", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "anguish" and "sorrow"?

"Anguish" implies a more intense and often prolonged suffering than "sorrow". While sorrow is a feeling of sadness or regret, anguish suggests a deeper, more agonizing pain.

Is "anguish" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "anguish" is appropriate for formal writing when describing profound suffering or distress. It is commonly found in news articles, academic texts, and literary works.