unbearable anguish

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unbearable anguish" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a level of emotional pain or suffering that is extremely difficult to endure. Example: "After the loss of her loved one, she was consumed by unbearable anguish that seemed to overshadow every moment of her life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

A current of unbearable anguish passed between the corpse and himself, through the dagger, his stiffened arm, his aching shoulder, to the very depth of his chest, to his convulsive heart — the only moving thing in the room.

The New Yorker

It carries the unbearable anguish of millions.

Huffington Post

At times, it doesn't seem to penetrate that these killings happen to real people who bear real excruciating pain and unbearable anguish for reasons that, in most cases, cannot be justified.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Common motivations include: to escape from unbearable distress or anguish, to gain relief from tension, to escape a dissociative state, to express a need for help, or to change the behaviour and emotional states of others [ 30].

BMC Psychiatry

Must it be a physical illness that makes life unbearable or is mental anguish sufficient grounds?

The Guardian - Opinion

While the performances are solid enough to make early scenes of parental anguish almost unbearable, screenwriter Anders Thomas Jensen's overwrought, morbid thriller narrative pushes the catalogue of baby-swaps and suicides into the realms of farcical incredulity.

The Guardian - Film

Even one of those life events would have be soul-crushing, and the combined anguish was often unbearable.

Huffington Post

In another production, of Marat/Sade, Arena presses his face through the bars to convey a meeting between madness and anguish that is almost unbearable to watch.

The Guardian - Film

Mental anguish may make life seem unbearable for depressives, for instance, but depression can lift, and many ex-depressives are glad that suicide was not easily available when they were ill.

The Economist

The amount of pain and anguish this has caused us is unbearable.

Huffington Post

But as the two men, working on a series of interconnected crimes, grow closer Nick's anguish over the choices he must make becomes unbearable.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing emotional intensity, use "unbearable anguish" to convey a sense of overwhelming and almost intolerable suffering. Consider the context to ensure the phrase aligns with the severity of the situation you are describing.

Common error

Avoid using "unbearable anguish" to describe minor inconveniences or disappointments. This phrase is best reserved for situations involving significant emotional or psychological distress to maintain its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unbearable anguish" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "unbearable" modifies the noun "anguish", intensifying its meaning. As seen in Ludwig, it expresses a state of extreme emotional suffering or distress that is almost too difficult to bear.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unbearable anguish" is a phrase used to describe a state of extreme emotional suffering. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, although its usage is relatively rare. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, the phrase serves to convey intense emotional pain and evoke empathy. When writing, reserve "unbearable anguish" for situations of significant distress to maintain its impact. Consider alternatives like "intense suffering" or "profound grief" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

immense distress

Highlights a state of significant emotional or mental suffering.

intense suffering

Highlights the state of enduring hardship and pain, whether physical or emotional.

overwhelming sorrow

Stresses the magnitude and impact of sadness and grief.

consuming pain

Suggests that the pain is all-encompassing and dominates one's thoughts and feelings.

excruciating pain

Focuses more on the physical sensation of pain, although it can be used metaphorically for emotional pain.

unrelenting agony

Emphasizes the continuous and persistent nature of the suffering.

profound grief

Emphasizes the deep sorrow and mourning experienced after a loss.

unendurable torment

Implies a severe and prolonged period of suffering, both mental and physical.

crushing despair

Suggests a complete loss of hope and a sense of being overwhelmed by negative emotions.

devastating heartbreak

Specifically refers to the emotional pain caused by the end of a romantic relationship or a similar loss.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "unbearable anguish" in a sentence?

Use "unbearable anguish" to depict situations of extreme emotional suffering. For example, "The family felt "unbearable anguish" after the sudden loss of their home".

What phrases can I use instead of "unbearable anguish"?

You can use phrases like "intense suffering", "profound grief", or "overwhelming sorrow" to convey similar meanings, depending on the specific context.

Is "unbearable anguish" a formal or informal expression?

"Unbearable anguish" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but is generally more suitable for writing or serious conversations. It is not typically used in casual, everyday speech.

What distinguishes "unbearable anguish" from simple sadness?

"Unbearable anguish" describes a level of emotional pain that is extremely difficult to endure and often involves a sense of hopelessness or despair, whereas simple sadness is a milder, more transient emotion.