to-be-plagued-by-existential-dread
/tuː biː ˈpleɪɡd baɪ ɪɡˌzɪs.tɛn.ʃəl drɛd/ IELTSAcademic
phrase
To feel badly troubled by deep fear or worry about life, meaning, or the future. It suggests a constant, heavy feeling that is hard to ignore.
- He was plagued by existential dread after graduation.
- Some people feel existential dread late at night.
- The news left her plagued by existential dread.
Adinary Nuance
This phrase is more dramatic and specific than simple "worry" or "fear." It is close to "anxiety," but it often suggests a bigger, more philosophical feeling about life itself. Writers choose it when they want to sound serious, reflective, or a little dark. It is not a neutral everyday phrase.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- nỗi sợ hiện sinh
- Spanish
- dread existencial
- Chinese
- 存在性恐惧
- Japanese
- 実存的な不安
- Korean
- 실존적 불안
Etymology
This phrase combines English words from different sources. "Plague" came into English from Old French in the Middle Ages, and "existential" comes from Latin through modern philosophy. "Dread" is an old English word meaning strong fear.
Common phrases
existential dreadplagued by dreada sense of existential dread
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is 'plagued by existential dread' formal or informal?
- It is more literary and serious than casual everyday English. People use it in writing, jokes, or thoughtful speech.
- Is it the same as anxiety?
- Not exactly. Anxiety is broader, while existential dread focuses on deep fear about life or meaning.
- Can I use this in IELTS writing?
- Yes, if the topic is about emotions, stress, or mental health. Use it carefully, because it sounds strong and dramatic.
- Is this a common phrase?
- It is understandable and widely used, but it is more common in writing than in daily conversation.