groundless worry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "groundless worry" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe concerns or fears that are unfounded or without basis in reality. Example: "Her groundless worry about the project's failure caused unnecessary stress among the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Nobody should be surprised if that turns out to be groundless as well.Worry is expensive, and groundless worry is the most expensive of all.

The Economist

It's not a groundless worry; wireless companies already have encountered local resistance in places where they have introduced the new technology.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"But let us not forget that the program, despite its various benefits for all parties, was once on the brink of being killed by groundless worries that China's investment would be a threat to Britain's national security," the Communist party-controlled news agency added.

The Guardian

But the potential partner backed out, he speculates, because of groundless environmental worries fomented by pressure groups.

Forbes

Any worries were groundless.

The New York Times - Books

These domestic worries proved groundless.

The New York Times - Books

As it happened, these worries were groundless.

The Guardian - Books

In the end, however, such worries proved groundless.

The New York Times

But Department for Education and Skills (DfES) officials and the children's minister, Margaret Hodge, claimed these worries were groundless.

The Guardian

I felt my blood pressure rise ever so slightly as I wondered how spirited she might therefore be (my worries proved groundless).

The New York Times - Travel

Now, I can't guarantee you that any of these worries is groundless, because I can't guarantee you that anything is absolutely safe, including the act of reading a newspaper.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "groundless worry", ensure that the context clearly indicates the lack of evidence or justification for the worry. This reinforces the idea that the concern is not based on reality or facts.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the consequences of a "groundless worry". While it's important to acknowledge the potential for anxiety, be careful not to amplify the perceived threat beyond what is reasonable. Instead, focus on the lack of foundation and the steps to alleviate it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "groundless worry" functions as a noun phrase, where "groundless" modifies the noun "worry". It describes a state of concern that lacks a rational or factual basis. Ludwig AI confirms the correct usage of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "groundless worry" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a concern or anxiety that lacks a solid foundation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. Although relatively rare, the phrase appears primarily in news and media contexts. Alternatives like "unfounded concern" or "baseless fear" can be used depending on the specific nuance. When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly emphasizes the lack of evidence, and avoid overstating the impact of such worries.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unfounded concern

Focuses on the lack of a factual basis for the concern.

baseless fear

Highlights the absence of justification for the fear.

unjustified anxiety

Emphasizes the lack of reason or fairness in the anxiety.

idle apprehension

Suggests the worry is not only unfounded but also unproductive.

needless worry

Indicates that the worry is unnecessary and avoidable.

gratuitous concern

Implies the concern is excessive and unwarranted.

empty fear

Highlights the lack of substance or reality behind the fear.

false alarm

Indicates that the worry is based on a mistaken perception of danger.

imaginary dread

Stresses that the source of dread is only in one's imagination.

unwarranted apprehension

Emphasizes that the apprehension lacks a valid reason or justification.

FAQs

How can I use "groundless worry" in a sentence?

You can use "groundless worry" to describe a concern that lacks a solid basis in reality. For example: "Her "groundless worry" about the company's future proved to be unfounded when they announced record profits."

What are some alternatives to "groundless worry"?

Alternatives to "groundless worry" include "unfounded concern", "baseless fear", or "unjustified anxiety". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "groundless worry" or "unfounded worry"?

Both "groundless worry" and "unfounded worry" are acceptable. "Groundless" emphasizes the lack of a foundation, while "unfounded" highlights the lack of evidence. They are largely interchangeable.

What is the difference between a "worry" and an "anxiety"?

"Worry" is often a specific concern about a potential problem, while "anxiety" is a more general feeling of unease or apprehension. A "groundless worry" is a specific concern without basis, while "unjustified anxiety" is a general feeling of unease without a clear cause.