Is anxiety the same as worry?

Not exactly. Worry is often about a specific problem, while anxiety is usually stronger and more general.

Is anxiety formal or informal?

It is a normal, neutral word. People use it in everyday speech, study, and medical writing.

Can I say 'I have anxiety'?

Yes. It can mean you often feel anxious, or it can refer to a medical condition.

← Dictionary

anxiety

/æŋˈzaɪ.ə.ti/

IELTSAcademic

noun

Anxiety is a feeling of worry, fear, or nervousness. It can be mild or strong, and it often happens before a difficult event.

She felt anxiety before the interview.
His anxiety kept him awake all night.
Public speaking can cause anxiety.

Adinary Nuance

Anxiety is stronger and more lasting than simple worry. It often suggests nervous tension in the body or mind, not just a passing concern. Compared with fear, anxiety may not have a clear cause. Compared with stress, it focuses more on the feeling inside you.

In other languages

Vietnamese: lo âu
Spanish: ansiedad
Chinese: 焦虑
Japanese: 不安
Korean: 불안

Etymology

Anxiety comes from Latin anxietas, meaning 'trouble' or 'uneasiness'. It entered English through French in the 1500s.

Common phrases

feel anxietyanxiety aboutanxiety levelsanxiety disorder

Synonyms

worry nervousness unease stress

Related words

fear panic concern restlessness

Frequently asked questions

Is anxiety the same as worry?: Not exactly. Worry is often about a specific problem, while anxiety is usually stronger and more general.
Is anxiety formal or informal?: It is a normal, neutral word. People use it in everyday speech, study, and medical writing.
Can I say 'I have anxiety'?: Yes. It can mean you often feel anxious, or it can refer to a medical condition.