feeling of impending doom

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feeling of impending doom" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sense of anxiety or fear about a negative event that one anticipates may happen in the future. Example: "As the storm clouds gathered, I was overwhelmed by a feeling of impending doom, fearing that the worst was yet to come."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Anxiety, feeling of impending doom, confusion.

Harvard University

There's almost this feeling of impending doom.

The Guardian

Have you developed a rash, a racing heart maybe and a feeling of impending doom?

The Guardian

"I have this awful feeling of impending doom," he said on "60 Minutes" in 1999.

The New York Times - Books

An unhappy workforce will have a negative effect on your company's prospects – and the feeling of impending doom is contagious.

The Guardian

I remember in the hotel, getting sicker and sicker, having this feeling of impending doom and darkness.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

From the next room, doctors watched the volunteer's restlessness via video camera, measured the quickening pulse and rise in blood pressure, and used an intercom to question the person about his or her feelings of impending doom.

The New York Times

Julian Rushton wryly notes that critics used to detect "feelings of impending doom" in the Clarinet Concerto and the Piano Concerto No. 27, which appeared in Mozart's final year; it turns out that the first movement of each was sketched several years earlier.

The New Yorker

Until his death in 1882 at 73, Darwin suffered attacks of severe anxiety, often accompanied by heart palpitations, shortness of breath, feelings of impending doom, hysterical crying, and severe nausea and vomiting.

Science Magazine

There is no hiding under your desk or putting in earbuds to ignore the feelings of impending doom.

Huffington Post

It's also been known to trigger hellish psychedelic trips and feelings of impending doom, according to those who've been caught on the rough end of it.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about health topics, use "feeling of impending doom" to accurately describe a potential symptom of a medical condition or panic attack.

Common error

While the phrase is grammatically correct, overusing "feeling of impending doom" in everyday conversations or light-hearted contexts can sound melodramatic or insincere. Consider simpler alternatives like "worry" or "anxiety" in less serious situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feeling of impending doom" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a specific emotional state. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

17%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feeling of impending doom" is a grammatically sound and readily understood expression used to articulate a sense of anxiety and foreboding about an approaching negative event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s applicable in diverse contexts, predominantly within news and media, academia and science. While alternatives like "sense of approaching disaster" or "foreboding feeling" exist, it's important to use the phrase judiciously, avoiding overuse in casual conversation where it might sound exaggerated. Instead, less intense options like "worry" or "anxiety" might be more fitting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sense of foreboding

Similar to "foreboding feeling", but expressed as a "sense" rather than a "feeling".

sense of approaching disaster

Emphasizes the anticipation of a calamitous event, focusing on the event itself rather than the emotional state.

foreboding feeling

Highlights the ominous nature of the feeling, suggesting a premonition of something bad.

sense of looming crisis

Focuses on the imminent threat of a critical situation or turning point.

premonition of disaster

Suggests a psychic or intuitive sense that a disaster is about to occur.

anxiety about the future

A broader term that covers general worries and fears regarding what might happen.

apprehension about what's to come

Emphasizes the uneasy anticipation of future events.

dread of the unknown

Focuses on the fear and anxiety caused by uncertainty about future events.

unease about impending events

Highlights a mild discomfort or anxiety related to upcoming occurrences.

fear of future misfortune

Specifically points to the worry about potential negative occurrences in the future.

FAQs

What does the phrase "feeling of impending doom" mean?

The phrase "feeling of impending doom" describes a strong sense of anxiety, fear, or unease that something terrible is about to happen. It's often associated with a sense of helplessness and a belief that negative events are unavoidable.

When might someone experience a "feeling of impending doom"?

This feeling can arise in various situations, including moments of high stress, during a panic attack, or as a symptom of certain medical conditions. It can also be evoked by unsettling or threatening circumstances.

What are some alternative ways to express a similar sentiment to "feeling of impending doom"?

You can use alternatives like "sense of approaching disaster", "foreboding feeling", or "sense of looming crisis" to convey a similar sense of unease and anticipation of negative events.

Is it appropriate to use "feeling of impending doom" in formal writing?

Yes, "feeling of impending doom" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when describing a serious or somber situation. However, be mindful of your audience and ensure that the tone matches the overall context of your piece.