worry
/ˈwʌr.i/ IELTSAcademic
verb
If you worry, you feel anxious about a possible problem. You keep thinking about it and find it hard to relax.
- Don't worry about the test.
- She worries about her father's health.
- I worried all night.
noun
A worry is a feeling of anxiety about something bad that may happen. It can also mean a problem that causes this feeling.
- Money is my biggest worry.
- Her worry showed on her face.
- They had no major worries.
Adinary Nuance
Use worry for everyday anxiety or concern. It is stronger and more personal than concern, which can sound calmer or more formal. Compared with fear, worry is less about immediate danger and more about thinking something may go wrong.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- lo lắng
- Spanish
- preocupación
- Chinese
- 担心
- Japanese
- 心配
- Korean
- 걱정
Etymology
Worry comes from Old English and related Germanic words meaning 'to strangle' or 'choke'. The modern sense of mental distress developed later in English.
Common phrases
worry aboutno need to worryworry about the futureworry itself sick
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between worry and concern?
- Worry is more emotional and personal. Concern is often calmer and more formal.
- Is worry a countable noun?
- Yes, it can be countable or uncountable. You can say "a worry" or "worries."
- Is worry formal or informal?
- It is common in both speech and writing. It is neutral, not very formal.
- How do I use worry in a sentence?
- Use it with "about" or "over": "I worry about my exams."