increasingly anxious

USAGE SUMMARY

"increasingly anxious" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something or someone that is gradually feeling more and more anxious. For example, "John was becoming increasingly anxious about the outcome of his test."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Their parents grow increasingly anxious.

The New York Times

To an increasingly anxious populace, Musk promised "peace of mind".

The New Yorker

But instead of being elated, he became increasingly anxious.

The New York Times

Corporate donors are increasingly anxious to support such practices too.

The Guardian

Lenders are increasingly anxious about the mid-decade boom.

The New York Times

But they are increasingly anxious about rising prices for a wide variety of goods.

The New York Times

By summertime, the working atmosphere within the largest scientific collaboration in history was growing increasingly anxious.

The New Yorker

Faced with uncertain prospects for recovery, Saab's employees are growing increasingly anxious.

The New York Times

But in fact, the mood in the reform camp seems increasingly anxious and defensive.

The New York Times - Magazine

As the debate went on, the band of CREW lawyers started to look increasingly anxious.

The New Yorker

The prime minister's pollsters are increasingly anxious about the feelings which lie beneath those headline figures.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "increasingly anxious" to describe a gradual escalation of worry or unease, rather than a sudden onset of anxiety. This emphasizes the progressive nature of the feeling.

Common error

Avoid using "increasingly anxious" to describe a sudden or acute anxiety attack. This phrase denotes a gradual buildup of anxiety over time, not a sudden episode.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "increasingly anxious" functions as an adverbial modifier followed by an adjective. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correctly used to describe a gradual intensification of anxiety. Examples show it modifying subjects ranging from individuals to groups, indicating a growing state of unease.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "increasingly anxious" is a grammatically sound and very common way to describe a gradually escalating state of worry or unease. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for diverse contexts, though most frequently found in news and media. When using this phrase, remember that it emphasizes a progressive intensification, not a sudden onset of anxiety. Alternatives like "growing more worried" or "becoming increasingly concerned" can offer slight variations in nuance. Remember to reserve it to talk about a gradual sensation and not a sudden feeling.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

growing more worried

Focuses on the emotional aspect of worry, emphasizing the gradual increase.

becoming increasingly concerned

Highlights a rising level of concern, often about specific issues or situations.

showing heightened anxiety

Emphasizes the outward manifestation of anxiety, suggesting a visible increase in nervousness.

developing a mounting unease

Implies a sense of discomfort or apprehension that is progressively intensifying.

experiencing escalating worry

Focuses on the personal experience of worry, highlighting its gradual intensification.

feeling more and more apprehensive

Highlights a growing feeling of fear or dread about something that might happen.

displaying escalating nervousness

Implies an outward display of nervousness that is progressively increasing.

exhibiting growing restlessness

Focuses on an inability to relax or stay still due to increasing anxiety.

manifesting heightened agitation

Highlights an outward display of irritation or frustration resulting from increasing anxiety.

demonstrating escalating disquiet

Suggests a growing sense of unease or disturbance, often about uncertain or threatening situations.

FAQs

How can I use "increasingly anxious" in a sentence?

You can use "increasingly anxious" to describe a gradual escalation of worry. For example, "As the deadline approached, he became "increasingly anxious" about finishing the project on time."

What are some alternatives to "increasingly anxious"?

Some alternatives to "increasingly anxious" include "growing more worried", "becoming increasingly concerned", or "showing heightened anxiety", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "more and more anxious" instead of "increasingly anxious"?

Yes, "more and more anxious" is a correct and very similar alternative to "increasingly anxious". Both phrases describe a gradual increase in anxiety levels. The choice between them often depends on stylistic preference.

What is the difference between "anxious" and "increasingly anxious"?

"Anxious" describes a state of worry or unease. "Increasingly anxious", on the other hand, describes a situation where that feeling of worry or unease is growing or intensifying over time.