profound anguish

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "profound anguish" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a deep and intense feeling of suffering or emotional pain. Example: "After the loss of her beloved pet, she was overwhelmed by profound anguish that seemed to consume her every waking moment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

There is profound anguish and resentment among Iraqis for both Saddam's regime and now US and UK forces.

The Guardian

"Whatever our religious creed or political conviction, abortion on this scale can only be a source of distress and profound anguish for us all.

The Guardian

It added that the Cloyne Report was "disheartening confirmation that even today, despite the church's knowledge of the profound anguish of thousands of victims, its reform policies are public relations ploys, not true child protection programs".

The New York Times

The figures were described yesterday by Catholic church leaders as "a source of distress and profound anguish for us all", in the run-up to likely attempts by both pro- and anti-abortion campaigners to reform the current law this autumn.

The Guardian

All these can cause profound anguish.

Huffington Post

Save us!" Ben-Zvi's sculpture takes you into the moment of most profound anguish.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

In "Two Lovers," Phoenix played one of the most radically fractured characters in the modern cinema, bringing a profound and ardent anguish to the part of a young man, not quite so young anymore, who's coping with mental illness but knows well how much life he's missing out on and reaches desperately to try to get it.

The New Yorker

The first captured the New York Knicks forward Larry Johnson exulting after winning a game in the National Basketball Association playoffs, but because Mr. Pfeiffer had slowed the action and deleted the other players, the basketball and the markings on the court, the continually repeating image turned into a profound expression of human anguish trapped, like the viewer's eye, in the loop.

The New York Times - Arts

It is impossible to watch this film and not feel the profound uncertainty and even anguish of some of the parents as they meet with doctors and therapists to discuss the choices they face.

Los Angeles Times

Although he is now moving on with his own life, I live with constant anguish that my profound mistake cost him so dearly.

The New York Times

Her anguish was genuine and profound," said Popham, the biographer.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "profound anguish" when you want to emphasize the depth and intensity of emotional suffering. It's suitable for formal writing and serious contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "profound anguish" in everyday or lighthearted conversations. It can sound overly dramatic or out of place in less serious settings. Consider alternatives like "great sadness" or "deep sorrow" for less formal situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "profound anguish" functions as a noun phrase where "profound" modifies the noun "anguish", indicating a high degree or intensity of suffering. The examples from Ludwig show its use in describing intense emotional pain related to loss, trauma, or disappointment.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "profound anguish" is an effective way to describe deep and intense emotional suffering. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for formal contexts, particularly within news and media. While it is less common in everyday conversation, it serves to emphasize the severity of emotional pain, and can be replaced with alternatives such as "deep sorrow" or "intense suffering" for similar, yet subtly different, effects. It's important to consider context to avoid overuse in casual situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deep sorrow

Replaces "anguish" with "sorrow", focusing on sadness.

intense suffering

Emphasizes the severity of the pain experienced.

acute distress

Highlights the sharpness and intensity of the distress.

deep-seated grief

Focuses on the grief being deeply rooted and long-lasting.

overwhelming despair

Conveys a sense of hopelessness and being overwhelmed by sadness.

extreme agony

Highlights the intense mental or physical pain.

consuming grief

Emphasizes that grief takes over the life and mind.

unbearable pain

Focuses on the inability to cope with the pain.

heartrending sorrow

Emphasizes sorrow's capacity to cause sadness or grief.

boundless suffering

Emphasizes the seemingly limitless or endless nature of the suffering.

FAQs

How can I use "profound anguish" in a sentence?

"Profound anguish" describes a deep and intense feeling of suffering. For example: "After the loss of her family, she experienced "profound anguish".".

What are some alternatives to "profound anguish"?

You can use alternatives such as "deep sorrow", "intense suffering", or "acute distress", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "deep anguish" the same as "profound anguish"?

While both phrases express significant emotional pain, "profound anguish" suggests a greater depth and intensity of suffering than "deep anguish". They are similar but not perfectly interchangeable.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "profound anguish"?

Use "profound anguish" in formal writing or when describing situations involving intense grief, loss, or trauma. It's suitable when you want to emphasize the extreme depth of emotional suffering, but avoid using this phrase in casual conversation.