Word
anxious
Phoneticsanx·ious, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈæŋkʃəs/
UK/ˈæŋʃəs/
Definitions
01worried
B1 · Intermediate
adj. feeling worried or nervous about something that might happen.
adj. experiencing worry, unease, or nervousness, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome.
Español:incómodo
“She felt anxious about the job interview and couldn't sleep well.”
“The passengers grew increasingly anxious as the pilot announced a further two-hour delay due to deteriorating weather conditions.”
Usage
Commonly followed by the preposition 'about'.
Pitfall
I am anxious for my exam results.
I am anxious about my exam results.
Use 'about' when you are worried. Use 'for' or 'to' when you are eagerly waiting for something good.
02eager
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. wanting to do something or wanting something to happen very much.
adj. characterized by extreme eagerness or a strong desire to do something.
“We are anxious to start the project and see the results.”
“The board of directors is anxious to resolve the legal dispute before the end of the fiscal year to reassure their investors.”
Usage
Usually followed by a 'to' infinitive or the preposition 'for'.
Teaching tip
In this sense, the word does not necessarily imply fear, but rather a high level of impatience or enthusiasm.
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “anxious” in context.
Verb
01. become anxious
“Passengers began to become anxious when the flight was delayed for the third time.”
verb + adj
02. look anxious
“She looked anxious as she waited for the results of her medical exam.”
verb + adj
Adjective
03. anxious about
“Many students are anxious about their future career prospects after graduation.”
adj + prep
04. anxious to
“The new CEO is anxious to impress the board of directors during her first month.”
adj + infinitive
05. increasingly anxious
“The parents grew increasingly anxious as it got dark and their son hadn't returned home.”
adv + adj
Adverb
06. deeply anxious
“The government is deeply anxious about the rising rate of inflation.”
adv + adj
07. understandably anxious
“He was understandably anxious before his first public performance in front of a large crowd.”
adv + adj
Real-World Examples
“To be clear, exercise is not a magic fix for anxious thoughts about appearance and performance.” “In one question, 44% of teens said they feel anxious when they don’t have their phone.” Etymology
Borrowed from Latin anxius, from angō (“to cause pain, choke”); akin to Ancient Greek ἄγχω (ánkhō, “to choke”). See anger; angst.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/anxious
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0