unwarranted fear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'unwarranted fear' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a feeling of fear that is unfounded or lacking justification. For example, "The areas that were affected by the natural disaster were not prone to further damage, but many people still had an unwarranted fear of further destruction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

"This is an unwarranted fear," Shostak says.

The Guardian

But the Republicans have done far too good a job at obscuring and twisting the facts and spreading unwarranted fear.

The New York Times

Malone's unwarranted fear that he could be infected led Johnson to cut short his comeback in 1992 after playing well in the Summer Olympics.

The New York Times - Sports

Such attacks can generate an unwarranted fear of inflation that frustrates the goal of QE.If monetary policy seems indifferent to the economy, then fiscal policy is downright truculent.

The Economist

However, the article's tone — especially its opening lines — helps fuel the unwarranted fear that targeted data and Big Brother are somehow one and the same.

The New York Times

Anti-LGBT organizations and even Fox News recently spread the "bathroom panic argument", fomenting unwarranted fear that non-discrimination laws will lead to trans women preying on cisgender women in bathrooms.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

As a result of these unwarranted fears, childhood diseases are returning.

The New York Times

We've spent three years letting policy be dominated by unwarranted fears.

The New York Times

Evidently, it will need to address reasonable concerns and allay unwarranted fears.

The Guardian - Opinion

In the 19th century, the historian Janet Oppenheim reports, "severely depressed patients frequently revealed totally unwarranted fears of financial ruin or the expectation of professional disgrace".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And so, Morocco -the first nation to recognize the US back in 1777 (an opening gesture that nine years later led to the Moroccan-American Treaty of Friendship) -- remains the subject of our unwarranted fears.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unwarranted fear" to specifically highlight that a fear is not justified by the available evidence or situation. This emphasizes the irrational or illogical nature of the fear being described.

Common error

Avoid using "unwarranted fear" when legitimate threats or risks exist. Mislabeling a valid concern as "unwarranted fear" can trivialize real dangers and undermine necessary precautions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unwarranted fear" functions as a noun phrase where "unwarranted" modifies the noun "fear". It serves to characterize the nature of the fear, indicating it's unjustified or lacking basis. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

21%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unwarranted fear" is a phrase used to describe a fear that lacks justification or a reasonable basis. Ludwig AI validates its correctness, and it commonly appears in news, media, and scientific contexts. It is typically used to express skepticism about a fear and to persuade others that it is not justified. While generally neutral in register, it's crucial to distinguish between "unwarranted fear" and realistic concerns. Alternative phrases include "unnecessary fear", "baseless fear", and "groundless fear". Remember, it's a versatile phrase, but use it judiciously to avoid trivializing genuine threats. Always consider the source and context before labeling a fear as unwarranted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unnecessary fear

Emphasizes that the fear is not needed or required.

unjustified fear

Highlights the lack of valid reasons or evidence for the fear.

baseless fear

Indicates the fear has no factual foundation or support.

groundless fear

Similar to baseless, emphasizing the absence of any real reason for the fear.

unfounded fear

Stresses that the fear is not based on facts or evidence.

unreasonable fear

Focuses on the illogical or irrational nature of the fear.

excessive apprehension

Replaces "fear" with a more formal synonym and emphasizes the intensity is too high.

needless anxiety

Highlights that the anxiety is not necessary or beneficial.

irrational dread

Emphasizes the illogical and intense nature of the fear.

gratuitous apprehension

Highlights the uncalled-for and unnecessary nature of the apprehension.

FAQs

How can I use "unwarranted fear" in a sentence?

You can use "unwarranted fear" to describe a feeling of fear that is not justified by the available evidence. For example: "The media coverage created an "unwarranted fear" of the new virus, despite the low infection rate."

What's the difference between "unwarranted fear" and "unfounded fear"?

"Unwarranted fear" and "unfounded fear" are very similar. Both suggest that the fear is not justified. "Unwarranted" emphasizes a lack of permission or justification, while "unfounded" stresses a lack of factual basis.

What can I say instead of "unwarranted fear"?

You can use alternatives like "unnecessary fear", "baseless fear", or "groundless fear" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "unwarranted fear"?

Use "unwarranted fear" when you want to emphasize that a particular fear is not based on reason, evidence, or a legitimate threat. It's useful for addressing anxieties that are disproportionate to the actual risk.