anxiety
noun (countable)
UK/æŋˈzaɪəti/US/æŋˈzaɪəti/
A feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome.
Example Sentences
She felt a surge of anxiety before the important exam.
His anxiety about the upcoming job interview kept him awake at night.
They tried meditation to reduce their anxiety and improve focus.
The constant uncertainty caused by the pandemic has increased many people's anxiety levels.
He expressed his anxiety about the moving process to his friends.
Her anxiety made it difficult for her to concentrate on her studies.
The therapist helped him manage his anxiety through cognitive-behavioral techniques.
Public speaking often triggers anxiety in many individuals.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
A state of nervousness or worry about potential threats or outcomes.“Anxiety” describes a sense of dread or unease that often surfaces when people perceive a risk or uncertainty about the future. It involves a blend of emotional and physiological responses—like tense muscles, racing thoughts, or a pounding heart—triggered by the body’s natural fight-or-flight mechanism. While feeling anxious at times is normal, chronic or intense anxiety can interfere with daily life, relationships, and self-esteem.In everyday conversation, you might say, “I’m feeling some anxiety about tomorrow’s exam,” highlighting worry about an upcoming challenge. People cope with anxiety differently: some use relaxation methods (deep breathing, meditation, yoga), talk therapy, or medication to manage excessive symptoms. Identifying triggers—such as work stress, social situations, or health concerns—can help you develop strategies to regain calm. On a clinical level, anxiety disorders come in several forms, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and phobias, each with distinct patterns of worry or fear. Professional diagnosis and treatment typically involve therapy (e.g., cognitive-behavioral therapy) and sometimes medication to stabilize overwhelming symptoms. In all contexts, awareness of anxiety’s root causes and supportive interventions can mitigate its impact, helping individuals feel more secure and in control.
Alternatives
If “anxiety” isn’t precise enough for your context, synonyms and near-synonyms can help. “Worry” implies a persistent concern about specific situations or problems, generally at a lower intensity. “Apprehension” suggests cautious dread or hesitation before a potentially unfavorable event. “Nervousness” or “unease” focuses on a mild, often short-term sense of discomfort—like pre-performance jitters. When the intensity is higher, words like “dread,” “fear,” or “trepidation” might fit. “Panic” highlights an acute surge of overwhelming fear, sometimes prompting physical reactions like rapid heartbeat or hyperventilation. In everyday language, “stress” or “tension” can overlap with anxiety, particularly when factors like workload or relationships weigh heavily. By choosing the right synonym, you capture whether you’re describing mild apprehension or more severe, paralyzing worry.
Writing
When including “anxiety” in a formal or academic context—such as psychology papers or clinical guides—offer details about diagnostic criteria, potential causes, and evidence-based treatments. You might say, “High levels of anxiety correlate with sleep disturbances and difficulty concentrating.” Pairing these statements with data points or studies helps your audience grasp the significance of anxiety’s effects.In creative or narrative writing, show rather than tell: illustrate a character’s anxious state through tense dialogue, restless pacing, or sleepless nights. Depict how their internal monologue and physical sensations—like sweaty palms or a racing pulse—reflect mounting concern. These descriptions let readers experience the character’s unease, drawing them deeper into the story. Whether you’re analyzing characters, describing real-life experiences, or explaining clinical concepts, clarity on anxiety’s symptoms and triggers grounds your writing in empathy and depth.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, you might hear, “I have so much anxiety about my presentation next week,” emphasizing nervousness and self-doubt. Friends could say, “That traffic gave me anxiety,” reflecting how unexpected stressors can trigger a surge of discomfort. People sometimes casually self-diagnose anxiety—“I’m anxious about texting him first”—using the term loosely to express worry.If the concerns are mild, supportive words like, “It’ll be okay,” or sharing coping tips can relieve minor tension. However, if someone’s anxiety feels more intense or ongoing, suggesting they speak with a counselor or find stress management tools can help them feel validated. Casual chats about anxiety can also normalize discussing mental health, encouraging an open environment for seeking guidance or understanding. Often, just knowing that others relate to feelings of anxiety fosters a sense of connection and reduces shame.
Etymology
The term “anxiety” derives from the Latin “anxietas,” meaning “distress” or “unease,” which in turn comes from “angere,” to choke or strangle—hinting at the tight, constrictive sensation frequently associated with worry. Over centuries, medical and philosophical texts evolved this definition to encompass the pervasive sense of apprehension many experience in stressful or uncertain times. In Western medicine, anxiety was historically seen through the lens of imbalanced humors or spiritual concerns, but modern psychology classifies it as a natural, if sometimes excessive, defensive response. With the rise of psychiatry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the understanding of anxiety expanded, leading to contemporary frameworks like diagnostic criteria, therapy approaches, and a greater emphasis on emotional well-being. Today, while anxiety remains a common topic in both casual and clinical circles, ongoing research strives for deeper insights into its biological roots, psychological triggers, and effective management strategies.
