unbearable agony

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unbearable agony" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an intense level of pain or suffering that is difficult to endure. Example: "After the accident, he was in unbearable agony, unable to find any relief from the pain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Literature

Medicine

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

And somehow, astonishingly, he adopted exactly the right tone to lead the shaken city through weeks of almost unbearable agony.

The New York Times

In 2011, India's supreme court rejected a petition filed by Virani, who had sought euthanasia for Shanbaug, saying the court should "end her unbearable agony".

The Guardian

"A heavy sentence is inevitable as the accused inflicted unbearable agony on the people and damaged national pride," the court said.

The New York Times

An expressionistic look at thwarted desire and memory, the film centers on Hester as she moves among different time frames and moods that reach from ecstasy to almost unbearable agony.

The New York Times

And not every unbearable agony is medical: if a man losing a battle with Parkinson's disease can claim the relief of physician-assisted suicide, then why not a devastated widower, or a parent who has lost her only child?

The New York Times

Watching a succession of fiery-orange jellyfish flaring up in my skull, she had seen my pain wax and wane, its outlines shifting as mild discomfort became nearly unbearable agony.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

It was a long, slow swan's hiss of suppressed agony unbearable to listen to.

The Guardian - Books

I suspect there is also that Greeneian splinter of ice in his artist's heart that allows him to capture unbearable images of human agony.

The Guardian - Film

(Caucasian Male 18, aged 75 with joint pain)." When asked the question, 'Tell me about your pain?' Caucasian participants were keen to do so and used descriptors such as nagging, sore, uncomfortable, absolute agony and unbearable.

BMC Geriatrics

A cancer patient's suffering isn't necessarily more unbearable than the more indefinite agony of someone living with multiple sclerosis or quadriplegia or manic depression.

The New York Times

Nor can the opposition simply settle back and wait for vindication as the agony of cuts becomes unbearable: Labour has seen that movie before.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To emphasize the physical aspect of the suffering, pair "unbearable agony" with specific details describing the bodily sensations experienced by the subject. This can create a more vivid and impactful image for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "unbearable agony" in situations that are only mildly unpleasant or uncomfortable. Save it for scenarios where the suffering is genuinely extreme to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unbearable agony" functions primarily as a noun phrase describing a state of extreme suffering. As Ludwig AI explains, it accurately conveys intense pain or hardship, whether physical or emotional. The adjective "unbearable" intensifies the noun "agony", highlighting its severity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Literature

20%

Medicine

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

2%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "unbearable agony" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe extreme suffering, whether physical or emotional. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in English. While versatile, it's best reserved for scenarios that genuinely warrant such a strong description to avoid diluting its impact. Consider synonyms such as "excruciating pain" or "intolerable suffering" to fine-tune the expression to your specific context. Remember, while the phrase is commonly used, overusing it can diminish its effect. It appears most frequently in News & Media, Literature, and Medicine contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excruciating pain

Focuses specifically on the physical sensation of intense pain.

intolerable suffering

Emphasizes the emotional and mental aspect of enduring hardship.

extreme anguish

Highlights the mental and emotional distress experienced.

unendurable torment

Stresses the prolonged and agonizing nature of suffering.

acute distress

Indicates a sudden and severe state of suffering.

overwhelming pain

Highlights the intensity and encompassing nature of the pain.

unrelenting suffering

Focuses on the continuous and persistent nature of the pain.

agonizing pain

Emphasizes the prolonged and torturous experience of pain.

severe affliction

Indicates a state of great suffering or distress, often due to illness or misfortune.

consuming torment

Highlights how suffering can dominate one's thoughts and feelings.

FAQs

How can I use "unbearable agony" in a sentence?

You can use "unbearable agony" to describe intense physical or emotional pain. For example: "The surgery left him in "unbearable agony"" or "The loss of her family caused her "unbearable agony"".

What are some synonyms for "unbearable agony"?

Alternatives include "excruciating pain", "intolerable suffering", or extreme anguish depending on the specific context and whether the pain is physical or emotional.

Is it appropriate to use "unbearable agony" in formal writing?

Yes, "unbearable agony" is appropriate in formal writing when describing situations of extreme suffering. However, consider the audience and purpose of the writing to ensure it aligns with the overall tone.

What's the difference between "unbearable agony" and "intense pain"?

"Unbearable agony" suggests a level of suffering that is almost impossible to endure, while "intense pain" simply indicates a high degree of pain. "Unbearable agony" implies a more profound and overwhelming experience.