anxiety-inducing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "anxiety-inducing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that causes or triggers feelings of anxiety or stress. Example: "The suspenseful music in the movie was truly anxiety-inducing, making it hard for me to relax."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Whether enriching, mystifying or anxiety-inducing, feel free to share.

The New York Times

Of course, for the one standing in front of that audience, it can be anxiety-inducing.

The Guardian

Anxiety-inducing, unsettling days, when it feels like nothing is certain or guaranteed.

The Guardian - Books

There are few things more anxiety-inducing for parents than watching their children learn to drive — and for good reason.

The New York Times

But it cuts both ways: while you might get something good, you also might get something upsetting or anxiety-inducing.

The Guardian - Opinion

For those who choose the PE/VC path, it is an anxiety-inducing experience.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

But this, too, proves anxiety inducing.

The New York Times

I care about stability- it's anxiety inducing not knowing where you're going to live, or relying on parents.

The Guardian

Buying a new brand online is always slightly anxiety inducing to me, as the effort involved in returning ill-fitting goods is challenging.

TechCrunch

We'd swap the needless (and anxiety inducing) hustle and bustle for something that approached the monastic.

Vice

This is especially poignant when viewing this anxiety inducing trio of episodes".

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "anxiety-inducing" to describe situations, events, or even media content that provokes unease or stress.

Common error

While "anxiety-inducing" is widely accepted, reserve it for situations where a more precise and impactful description is needed. Overusing it in casual conversation may sound overly dramatic or formal.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "anxiety-inducing" is as a pre-modifying adjective. It describes and characterizes nouns by specifying that they cause or provoke anxiety. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

6%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "anxiety-inducing" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjective phrase that describes something causing anxiety. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage and suggests that it's particularly prevalent in News & Media. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and audience to ensure appropriate use. Consider alternatives such as "stressful" or "nerve-wracking" for different nuances. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, you can effectively integrate the phrase into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stressful

Focuses on the stress caused rather than directly inducing anxiety.

nerve-wracking

Emphasizes the impact on one's nerves.

unnerving

Highlights the feeling of losing one's composure.

disquieting

Suggests a subtle but persistent feeling of unease.

perturbing

Implies a disturbance of one's peace of mind.

worrying

Directly relates to causing worry or concern.

frightening

Indicates causing fear or alarm.

threatening

Suggests a potential for harm or danger.

intimidating

Emphasizes the feeling of being overwhelmed or daunted.

agitating

Focuses on stirring up feelings of unease or restlessness.

FAQs

How can I use "anxiety-inducing" in a sentence?

You can use "anxiety-inducing" to describe anything that provokes feelings of anxiety. For example: "The suspenseful music in the movie was truly "anxiety-inducing", making it hard for me to relax."

What are some alternatives to "anxiety-inducing"?

Alternatives include "stressful", "nerve-wracking", or "unnerving", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "anxiety-inducing" formal or informal?

"Anxiety-inducing" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's generally more common in writing and professional settings. It is more expressive than "stressful" or "worrying".

What makes something "anxiety-inducing" versus simply "stressful"?

"Anxiety-inducing" suggests a deeper level of unease and apprehension than simply "stressful". Something "anxiety-inducing" often triggers specific anxieties or fears, while something "stressful" primarily causes tension and pressure.