# anxious

/ˈæŋkʃəs/ (US) · /ˈæŋʃəs/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/anxious
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. worried

adjective · CEFR B1

feeling worried or nervous about something that might happen.

For teachers: experiencing worry, unease, or nervousness, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome.

- 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'.

### 2. eager

adjective · CEFR B2

wanting to do something or wanting something to happen very much.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- She feels anxious about her job interview tomorrow.
- The students were anxious to hear their final exam results after weeks of waiting.
- While he appeared calm on the surface, his constant tapping revealed how anxious he felt about the upcoming presentation to the board.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.