profound anxiety

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "profound anxiety" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a deep or intense level of anxiety experienced by an individual. Example: "After the unexpected news, she was overwhelmed by profound anxiety about the future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

It is impossible to react to this moment with anything less than revulsion and profound anxiety.

The New Yorker

What that's brought for Paula is a profound anxiety about how much money she has to live on.

The Guardian - Opinion

Rather they express a profound anxiety about a global capitalism that, they believe, all too easily homogenises human expression.

The Economist

Selling to China in 2012 is another matter altogether, tapping into a profound anxiety that the west might be tilting towards irreversible decline.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's a theory of history founded on a profound anxiety about financial collapse, an apocalyptic fear of global devastation, and shaky evidence.

The New Yorker

"Committed" is an unfurling of Gilbert's profound anxiety about reëntering a legally binding arrangement that she does not really believe in.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Yet among some senior Labour people, there are also profound anxieties that there is still something not quite right, a crucial ingredient that is missing.

The Guardian - Opinion

As Janet Browne notes in her biography of Darwin, the excitement of discovery in his work had been replaced by profound anxieties about possession and ownership.

The Guardian - Books

A British-born Muslim, Qassim Aszal, chairman of Manchester Liberal Democrats, warned that the crisis was creating profound anxieties, and driving a wedge between friends and a dagger between communities.

The Guardian

Some of my results paint quite a grim picture of academic careers, baring the profound anxieties that many postdocs have about their professional futures and livelihoods.

Science Magazine

The already Promethean challenges of military life were exponentially compounded by the profound anxieties borne of constantly dwelling in the trembling shadows of innocent and undeserved shame.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "profound anxiety" to describe situations where the level of anxiety is not just high, but also deeply affecting the individual's thoughts and behaviors. It conveys a sense of being significantly troubled by worry.

Common error

Avoid using "profound anxiety" when describing everyday worries or minor concerns. The term is best reserved for situations involving intense emotional distress or significant life events.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "profound anxiety" functions as a noun phrase, where 'profound' modifies the noun 'anxiety'. It is used to describe the intensity and depth of the anxiety experienced. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is usable and correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "profound anxiety" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a deep and intense level of worry, as confirmed by Ludwig. Its frequency is uncommon, primarily appearing in news and media and scientific contexts. The phrase suggests a severity beyond typical anxiety, indicating significant emotional distress. To avoid overuse, reserve "profound anxiety" for situations where the level of anxiety is truly substantial and impactful. Consider alternatives like "intense anxiety" or "deep-seated anxiety" depending on the context. Remember that using the precise language can significantly enhance clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intense anxiety

Substitutes "profound" with "intense", focusing on the high degree of anxiety.

extreme anxiety

Replaces "profound" with "extreme", highlighting the severity of the anxiety.

deep-seated anxiety

Replaces "profound" with "deep-seated", emphasizing the entrenched nature of the anxiety.

severe anxiety

Similar to "extreme anxiety", emphasizing the seriousness of the condition.

overwhelming anxiety

Focuses on the feeling of being unable to cope with the anxiety.

acute anxiety

Indicates a sudden and intense onset of anxiety.

debilitating anxiety

Similar to "crippling anxiety", emphasizing the weakening effect.

crippling anxiety

Highlights the disabling effect of the anxiety.

significant anxiety

Highlights the importance of the anxiety that is experienced.

great anxiety

Emphasizes the intensity or the significance of the anxiety.

FAQs

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

You can use "profound anxiety" to describe situations where someone experiences a deep and intense level of worry. For example: "The uncertainty of the future triggered "profound anxiety" about her career".

What are some alternatives to "profound anxiety"?

Alternatives include "intense anxiety", "deep-seated anxiety", or "overwhelming anxiety". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "profound anxiety" when describing worry?

No, "profound anxiety" should be reserved for situations involving a significant depth and intensity of worry. Using it for minor concerns can sound hyperbolic or inappropriate. Use less strong synonyms when describing less significant situations of worry, such as "general concern" or "slight worry".

What distinguishes "profound anxiety" from regular anxiety?

"Profound anxiety" suggests a deeper, more impactful level of worry that significantly affects one's thoughts and behaviors. Regular anxiety might be a more fleeting or less intense feeling, while the word "profound" highlights the deep impact in the individual.