Word
edgy
US/ˈɛdʒi/
UK/ˈɛdʒi/
Definitions
01nervous or tense
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. feeling nervous, worried, or easily annoyed.
adj. characterized by tension, apprehension, or irritability.
“He was feeling edgy before the interview and couldn't sit still.”
“The investors grew edgy as the deadline approached without a signed agreement from the primary stakeholders.”
02cool and modern
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. new, exciting, and different from what is traditional.
adj. at the forefront of a trend; creatively challenging or avant-garde.
“The new art gallery features edgy designs from local students.”
“The marketing campaign used edgy visuals to appeal to a younger, more urban demographic.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
03provocative or dark
C1 · Advanced Informal · Slang
adj. trying to be cool by acting dark, tough, or slightly offensive.
adj. deliberately provocative or transgressive, often in a way that feels forced or performative.
“He wears a lot of black leather to look edgy.”
“The film's attempt to be edgy by using excessive violence felt more like a gimmick than a creative choice.”
Synonyms
Usage
Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'feel' or 'seem'.
Etymology
From edge + -y. Compare German eckig (“angular, edgy”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Domains
- 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
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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