panicky

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "panicky" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of anxiety or fear, often in a sudden or overwhelming manner. Example: "She felt panicky as the deadline approached, unsure if she would finish her project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He accused George Osborne of "a panicky last-minute measure because the yes campaign is winning on the ground".

The Guardian

We'd mistimed feeds, and found ourselves with the option of walking a mile home with a hungry baby going off like a siren inside his pram, or ducking into the most secluded corner of the nearest coffee shop and letting my wife feed him while I stood in front of them holding up her coat like some sort of panicky Poundland matador.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It was one of those panicky quick decisions that has long-term reverberations that aren't necessarily what you want".

The Guardian

The result is that the response was originally slow, then panicky.

The Guardian - Business

3) Imagine the most panicky voice in the world.

The Guardian - Film

Before I start, I am a little panicky, hoovering up all the information I can.

The Guardian

Nothing to get too panicky about, but one to watch.

The Guardian - Business

She feels less fearful and panicky in shops, and I get a Mars bar and a bottle of Lucozade after telling the shop's first aider that it was a diabetic hypoglycaemic attack".

The Guardian

He described the feeling among patients as "pretty panicky" and said NHS England's attempts to reassure people did not seem to be working.

The Guardian

Salmond accused Osborne of "a panicky last-minute measure because the yes campaign is winning on the ground".

The Guardian

This is despite the fact that the Fed itself, when making its cut, gave warning that the risks to the American economy remain on the downside; and the fact that to make a cut between meetings is itself a rather panicky act, the sign of a central bank worried that conditions might be deteriorating rapidly.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "panicky" to vividly describe someone's overwhelmed reaction to a sudden, fear-inducing situation. It effectively conveys a loss of composure.

Common error

Avoid using "panicky" when you mean "panic-stricken." "Panicky" describes a tendency to panic, while "panic-stricken" describes someone currently experiencing intense panic.

Linguistic Context

The word "panicky" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe a state of being prone to panic or currently experiencing panic. Ludwig examples show usage describing "panicky investors" or a "panicky feeling".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "panicky" is a versatile adjective used to describe a state of fear or anxiety, suitable for various contexts, including news, business, and general conversation. Ludwig AI confirms that the word is grammatically correct and widely used. While alternatives like "anxious", "nervous", and "frightened" exist, "panicky" specifically conveys a sense of being overwhelmed by fear. It's important not to confuse it with "panic-stricken", which describes someone currently experiencing intense panic. When using "panicky", focus on vividly portraying someone's overwhelmed reaction to emphasize a loss of composure.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

anxious

This term generally implies a state of worry or unease about something that might happen.

nervous

This suggests a state of heightened tension or agitation, often before an event.

frightened

This emphasizes the feeling of fear caused by a sudden or perceived threat.

scared

A more casual term for experiencing fear or apprehension.

apprehensive

This describes a feeling of anxiety or fear that something bad or unpleasant will happen.

agitated

This indicates a state of being stirred up or disturbed, often visibly.

alarmed

This suggests a sudden awareness of danger or a potential problem.

perturbed

This suggests a state of being unsettled or disturbed, often by something unexpected.

distressed

This indicates a state of extreme anxiety, sorrow, or pain.

uptight

This describes a state of being tense and nervous, often due to stress or worry.

FAQs

How can I use "panicky" in a sentence?

You can use "panicky" to describe someone who is prone to panic or acting in a state of panic. For example, "The "panicky investors" sold their stocks" or "She had a "panicky feeling" when she realized she was lost".

What are some synonyms for "panicky"?

Some synonyms for "panicky" include "anxious", "nervous", "frightened", and "alarmed". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say someone is "panicky"?

Yes, it is correct to describe someone as "panicky". It indicates they are in a state of panic or are easily made to panic. Ludwig AI also confirms this is correct and usable.

What's the difference between "panicky" and "panic-stricken"?

"Panicky" describes a state or tendency, while "panic-stricken" describes a current condition of intense panic. Someone who is "panic-stricken" is actively experiencing panic, whereas someone who is "panicky" is prone to it or behaving as if in a panic.