Word
anxiety
Meanings
a feeling of worry or nervousness about something that might happen
a mental health condition in which strong worry or fear happens often and affects daily life
Definition
Anxiety is a feeling of worry or nervousness, often about something that might happen.
Anxiety is a state of worry, fear, or nervousness, especially when you feel uncertain about the future. It can be mild and temporary, such as before an exam, or stronger and longer-lasting. Anxiety may also cause physical symptoms like a fast heartbeat, sweating, or trouble sleeping.
Examples
- I felt anxiety before the interview.
- Her anxiety made it hard to sleep.
- He tried breathing exercises to reduce anxiety.
- The constant news updates increased my anxiety.
Common mistake
Learners often say "anxious" (adjective) when they need the noun "anxiety" (e.g., "I have anxiety" not "I have anxious").
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