anxiety

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "anxiety" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing feelings of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome. Example: "Her anxiety about the upcoming exam kept her up all night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

An eight-month inquiry by the all party group on mindfulness found frontline public servants could be less likely to fall ill with stress, or quit altogether, if they engage in the increasingly popular meditation practice which involves increasing awareness of the present moment to help control anxiety and depression.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Verbal and written feedback from patients has been largely very positive and measures of depression and anxiety on average show a significant reduction following the course.

The Guardian

It said: "The ANC in parliament appreciates and shares the anxiety of the families and others affected by the tragic events at Marikana regarding the public release of the report.

The Guardian

Everyone has their own pressure and anxiety that they live their life by.

The Guardian - Sport

For many like Klein, the enjoyment of more than two weeks off work has been tinged with concern about the programs they operate and anxiety about whether and when they will be paid.

The Guardian

Like Alexander, celebrity stylist Gray thinks any backlash against men's short-shorts is really about gender and even anxiety around the accuser's sexuality.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mental health problems are estimated to affect one in four and academic studies claim mindfulness can affect a 20% reduction in symptoms of anxiety and depression.

The Guardian

If you're a homeowner, it's a price that has rendered your past five years a struggle of financial anxiety.

The Guardian - Opinion

As we sat in our circle and shared the reasons that had brought us all there, my memory is that I was the only one suffering from anxiety (as opposed to depression), and also that I definitely came across as the "maddest" – there was no one else in that room who had trouble staying on a bus.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Only someone who has suffered from chronic, debilitating anxiety will understand quite how exhilarating this realisation felt.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A sense of the anxiety that was driving GCHQ to do this was revealed in an internal memo, dated Tuesday 19 May 2009, which was written jointly by the director in charge of the MTI project and a member of the agency's cyber-defence team.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "anxiety", be specific about its source. Instead of a general statement, describe the cause of the anxiety for clarity.

Common error

While "anxiety" can describe stress, it's important not to dilute the term's meaning. Reserve it for situations involving significant worry and apprehension, not just everyday stressors.

Linguistic Context

The word "anxiety" primarily functions as a noun, referring to a state of mental uneasiness, nervousness, or apprehension. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts, from describing personal feelings to broader societal concerns. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "anxiety" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun to describe a state of worry, nervousness, or unease. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and Ludwig examples demonstrate its wide application, predominantly in News & Media. When using "anxiety", aim for specificity in its source and consider synonyms like "worry", "apprehension", or "nervousness" to fine-tune your meaning. It's crucial to distinguish "anxiety" from general stress and reserve it for situations involving significant apprehension.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

worry

A general term for feeling uneasy or concerned about actual or potential problems.

apprehension

Implies a feeling of fear or dread about something that might happen in the future.

nervousness

Suggests a state of being uneasy or agitated, often before an event.

unease

Indicates a feeling of discomfort or disquiet.

concern

Highlights a feeling of worry or interest in someone or something.

trepidation

Emphasizes a feeling of fear or hesitation about doing something.

angst

Often used to describe a deep-seated feeling of anxiety or dread, often existential.

disquiet

Suggests a feeling of worry and disturbance.

jitters

Informal term describing a state of nervousness or restlessness.

panic

An overwhelming feeling of fear or terror.

FAQs

How can I use "anxiety" in a sentence?

"Anxiety" can be used to describe a state of worry or unease, as in "Her "anxiety" about the upcoming exam kept her awake." or "The patient reported feelings of "anxiety" and fear."

What are some synonyms for "anxiety"?

Alternatives to "anxiety" include "worry", "apprehension", "nervousness", or "unease" depending on the context.

Is "anxiety" a formal or informal term?

"Anxiety" is a neutral term suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, the specific language used to describe anxiety may vary depending on the setting.

What's the difference between "anxiety" and "stress"?

"Stress" is a general response to demands, while "anxiety" is a specific feeling of worry or unease, often about future events. "Anxiety" is often a result of prolonged stress.