existential crisis

USAGE SUMMARY

"existential crisis" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a period of intense soul-searching and questioning of one's life and purpose. For example, "John went through an intense existential crisis after losing his job and was unsure of his next steps in life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The existential crisis.

Independent

This is an existential crisis.

The New York Times

An existential crisis.

The New York Times - Sports

Soon after, my existential crisis began.

The New York Times - Magazine

And he calls it an existential crisis.

The New Yorker

François is suffering his own existential crisis.

Independent

And the existential crisis goes on.

The New York Times - Sports

I had an existential crisis.

The New York Times

I'll give you existential crisis.

The Guardian - Sport

It's solving an existential crisis.

The Guardian - Arts

Existential Crisis Level was well over 9000.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "existential crisis" to describe moments of profound questioning about one's purpose, identity, or the meaning of life. It accurately conveys a sense of deep unease and uncertainty.

Common error

Avoid using "existential crisis" to describe everyday inconveniences or minor setbacks. This diminishes the phrase's impact and seriousness. Reserve it for genuinely profound and life-altering moments of questioning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "existential crisis" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a state of profound questioning and anxiety about the meaning and purpose of life. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

11%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "existential crisis" accurately describes a state of profound questioning about the meaning and purpose of life. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and very common, especially in News & Media and Academic contexts. While suitable for formal and informal discussions, misuse in trivial contexts should be avoided. When seeking alternative expressions, "crisis of meaning", "identity crisis", and "spiritual emergency" offer nuanced substitutes. Remember, an "existential crisis" signifies a significant turning point, demanding thoughtful and careful consideration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

questioning of existence

Directly addresses the act of doubting one's own purpose and being.

existential angst

Focuses on the anxiety and dread associated with existential questions.

crisis of meaning

Focuses on the lack of purpose or significance as the core issue.

identity crisis

Highlights the struggle with self-definition and understanding one's role.

spiritual emergency

Emphasizes the spiritual aspect of the crisis, often involving a search for deeper meaning.

dark night of the soul

A more intense and prolonged period of spiritual desolation and questioning.

philosophical quandary

Highlights the intellectual and philosophical nature of the questioning.

personal upheaval

Focuses on the disruptive and transformative nature of the experience.

ontological shock

Describes a sudden and profound realization about the nature of being.

moment of truth

Highlights a critical juncture where fundamental beliefs are challenged.

FAQs

How to use "existential crisis" in a sentence?

You can use "existential crisis" to describe a period of intense questioning about one's purpose in life. For example, "After losing his job, he went through an "existential crisis", questioning his career choices and values."

What can I say instead of "existential crisis"?

You can use alternatives like "crisis of meaning", "identity crisis", or "spiritual emergency" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "existential crisis" a formal or informal phrase?

"Existential crisis" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it's often used in more thoughtful or analytical discussions.

What's the difference between "existential crisis" and "midlife crisis"?

While both involve questioning, an "existential crisis" is broader, concerning the fundamental meaning of existence. A midlife crisis is typically triggered by age-related milestones and focuses on achievements, aging, and mortality. They can overlap, but aren't the same.