Anxiety: meaning, definitions and examples

To describe a persistent and often intense feeling of fear or worry, usually about something with an uncertain outcome. Often used in medical or psychological contexts.

• She felt a surge of anxiety before her big presentation.
• His anxiety kept him awake at night, causing him to lose sleep.

Relates to a more general and often less intense feeling of concern or anxiety, usually about a specific issue or possibility.

• She has constant worry about her children's safety.
• He couldn't stop worrying about the interview next week.

Used to describe a temporary, often less intense feeling of worry or fear, usually in response to a specific situation.

• He couldn’t hide his nervousness while speaking in front of the large audience.
• Before the exam, she experienced a lot of nervousness.

A general feeling of discomfort or apprehension, often without a specific focus. It can imply a mild or moderate level of concern.

• There was a feeling of unease in the community after the recent events.
• I felt a sense of unease walking through the dark alley.