Worrier: meaning, definitions and examples

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worrier

[ˈwʌriər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

anxious person

A worrier is someone who tends to feel anxious or troubled about actual or potential problems. Worriers often find it difficult to stop worrying, even when there is no immediate threat. They may constantly anticipate negative outcomes and have difficulty relaxing.

Synonyms

anxious person, nervous individual, troubled individual.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
worrier	Use this word when referring to someone who often thinks about potential problems or dangers. This person tends to overthink situations and stresses about them frequently. My mom is such a worrier; she's always imagining the worst-case scenario. Being a worrier, John found it hard to relax during the turbulent flight.
anxious person	Used to describe someone who experiences anxiety, often feeling a strong sense of unease or apprehension. This term is more clinical and can imply that the person's anxiety may be more severe. As an anxious person, Emily finds social gatherings very stressful. Therapists often help anxious people develop strategies to manage their anxiety.
troubled individual	This term is appropriate for describing someone who is dealing with multiple problems or difficult situations, often implying deeper emotional or psychological issues. The therapist specializes in helping troubled individuals find peace. He was a troubled individual, facing many personal and professional challenges.
nervous individual	Best used when describing someone who often feels nervous or jittery in various situations. This term is more general and can be used in both less serious and more severe contexts. Even though he studied hard, Tom was a nervous individual during exams. Being a nervous individual, she couldn't help but fidget during her presentation.

Examples of usage

She's always been a worrier, constantly fretting about things that might go wrong.
As a worrier, he struggles to enjoy the present moment because he's always thinking about the future.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

person who worries excessively

A worrier is someone who engages in excessive worrying, often to the point of affecting their daily life and mental health. Worriers may experience symptoms of anxiety, such as restlessness, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.

Synonyms

chronic worrier, excessive worrier, obsessive worrier.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
worrier	Used to describe someone who tends to worry about things, but not excessively. Suitable for everyday conversations. She is a bit of a worrier and often gets anxious about small details. My mom is such a worrier; she's always concerned about us getting home late.
chronic worrier	Refers to someone who worries constantly and regularly. Useful in more formal or serious discussions about someone’s persistent anxiety. As a chronic worrier, he struggles to relax even during vacations. Her doctor described her as a chronic worrier, which affects her sleep.
excessive worrier	Describes an individual who worries much more than average, often over trivial matters. This term has a slightly negative connotation. He is an excessive worrier and often imagines the worst-case scenarios. Being an excessive worrier, she tends to overthink minor issues.
obsessive worrier	Applies to someone who worries compulsively, often unable to control their anxiety. This term often has a strong negative connotation. As an obsessive worrier, she can't help but check multiple times if the door is locked. John's obsessive worrying about his health leads him to visit doctors frequently.

Examples of usage

Her mother is a chronic worrier, constantly obsessing over potential dangers and worst-case scenarios.
As a worrier, he finds it hard to sleep at night because his mind is always racing with worries.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Studies show that worrying can be a way the mind tries to prepare for and prevent problems, even though it often makes us feel worse.
People who tend to worry a lot may have a higher risk of anxiety disorders and depression, as constant concern affects overall mental health.
Interestingly, some degree of worry can be beneficial, as it motivates careful planning and decision-making.

History

The word has roots in old English dating back to around the 15th century, where it described a state of distress or fear.
Historically, people believed that worrying was linked to superstition and bad luck, leading to rituals to reduce anxiety.
In literature, characters that are worriers often undergo significant character development, learning to face their fears over time.

Pop Culture

Many popular songs explore themes of anxiety and worry, resonating with listeners who feel overwhelmed by life’s uncertainties.
Movies often feature worrier characters who, despite their struggles, find strength in friendships and personal growth.
Iconic figures, like the character Piglet from Winnie the Pooh, embody the plight of a worrier, providing relatable moments for audiences.

Science

Research indicates that chronic worrying can lead to physical health problems, such as high blood pressure and sleep disorders.
Neurologists have found that excessive worrying activates specific areas of the brain responsible for fear and anxiety.
On the bright side, mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral techniques can significantly help reduce worry and anxiety levels in individuals.

Literature

Worriers are common in classic literature, exploring internal conflicts and the impact of fear on human behavior, such as in Shakespeare’s plays.
Modern novels often portray worrier protagonists who navigate their insecurities on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
Poets have long captured the essence of worry, using it as a theme to illustrate human vulnerability and the quest for tranquility.

Translations

Translations of the word "worrier" in other languages:

🇵🇹 preocupado

🇮🇳 चिंतित व्यक्ति

🇩🇪 Sorgenmacher

🇮🇩 pengkhawatir

🇺🇦 той, хто хвилюється

🇵🇱 martwiący się

🇯🇵 心配性の人

🇫🇷 inquiet

🇪🇸 preocupado

🇹🇷 endişeli kişi

🇰🇷 걱정하는 사람

🇸🇦 قلق

🇨🇿 starostlivý člověk

🇸🇰 starostlivý človek

🇨🇳 担心者

🇸🇮 zaskrbljen človek

🇮🇸 áhyggjufullur maður

🇰🇿 уайымшыл адам

🇬🇪 მშფოთვარე

🇦🇿 narahat insan

🇲🇽 preocupado

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,563, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

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