anguished

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "anguished" is a valid and usable word in written English.
It is an adjective which means to feel a deep distress or suffering. For example, you could use the sentence: "The anguished cries of the mother echoed through the hospital halls as her child was wheeled away for surgery."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ray (2004) The late Ray Charles is conjured up in all his playful, lustful, anguished glory in this otherwise stolid, respectful biopic of the legendary musician.

The Guardian - Film

Spero recycled the anguished outpourings by the poet Antonin Artaud: terrified recollections of electric shock therapy, crazed railings against God and the universe, delirious streams of obscene "fecal poetry".

The Guardian - Arts

Not only was it an anguished requiem for a doomed affair, but it was also performed by none other than Abraham Lincoln.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Roger Cukierman, president of France's Crif, said French Jews were "anguished" about an anti-Jewish backlash that goes far beyond even strongly felt political and humanitarian opposition to the current fighting: "They are not screaming 'Death to the Israelis' on the streets of Paris," Cukierman said last month.

The Guardian

Evenings out turn into an anguished dilemma, particularly for those of us deficient in the jam-making department.

The Guardian - Opinion

The pictures – of bodies, destroyed buildings, injured and anguished people – became the mute forms of communication between people in Gaza and the outside world.

The Guardian - Opinion

Many of those anguished internal debates are now behind us.

The Guardian

There was a raw emotional power to her resignation as she set out her anguished reaction to the collapse of hospitals, the death of young children on beaches and the realisation that children the same age as those in her own family were being killed in the Israeli raids.

The Guardian

("What's the matter, tough guy," we ask with false concern to the anguished bully).

The Economist

The gulf between the anguished vehemence of religious conservatives and the timidity of their brightest political lights is a sign of the times.This is not to say that conservatives are being bullied by cultural liberals or are ashamed of their deepest beliefs, as Mr French seems to think.

The Economist

It provoked an anguished protest in Peshawar by families who brought the corpses of the victims with them.The tribal areas, with a population of about 3m, are certainly plagued by violent extremists.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "anguished" to vividly portray intense emotional or mental suffering in your writing. It adds depth and emotional resonance to descriptions of characters or situations.

Common error

Avoid using "anguished" to describe minor inconveniences or slight disappointments. This dilutes its impact and can make your writing sound melodramatic. Reserve it for genuinely profound suffering.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "anguished" is as an adjective. It modifies a noun, describing a state of extreme emotional or mental suffering. Ludwig provides numerous examples where "anguished" vividly portrays deep distress.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "anguished" effectively conveys profound emotional or mental suffering, as affirmed by Ludwig. Its usage spans various contexts, predominantly in news, formal writing, and scientific domains. While versatile, it's important to reserve "anguished" for situations that genuinely warrant such strong emotional depiction, avoiding overuse in trivial contexts. Related terms like "tormented" or "heartbroken" offer nuanced alternatives, depending on the specific shade of suffering you aim to portray. Ludwig provides a rich set of examples, illustrating how "anguished" adds depth and resonance to descriptive writing. As Ludwig AI points out, the term is a valid and usable word in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tormented

Focuses on the internal suffering and mental pain experienced.

distressed

Emphasizes a state of worry and unhappiness.

grief-stricken

Highlights the overwhelming sorrow and mourning felt.

heartbroken

Specifically refers to emotional pain caused by loss or disappointment.

agonized

Implies a prolonged and intense period of suffering.

pained

Suggests a feeling of physical or emotional hurt.

afflicted

Indicates suffering caused by a specific condition or event.

despairing

Focuses on the loss of hope and the feeling of being overwhelmed.

woeful

Expresses deep sorrow and regret.

crestfallen

Conveys disappointment and dejection.

FAQs

How can I use "anguished" in a sentence?

You can use "anguished" to describe a person or their expression, indicating deep suffering. For example, "The "anguished look" on her face revealed her inner turmoil."

What words are similar to "anguished"?

Alternatives to "anguished" include "tormented", "distressed", or "heartbroken", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "anguished" formal or informal?

"Anguished" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal term, suitable for both news reports and literary contexts. However, avoid it in very casual conversation.

What's the difference between "anguished" and "sad"?

"Anguished" implies a more intense and profound suffering than simply being "sad". While sadness can be a general feeling of unhappiness, "anguished" suggests a deep, often prolonged, emotional pain.