Word
pang
US/ˈpæŋ/
UK/pˈæŋ/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a sudden, sharp feeling of pain or a strong emotion like guilt or hunger. It usually lasts for a short time but feels very intense.
n. a sudden sharp feeling of emotional or physical distress. Often used to describe brief, acute sensations of hunger, guilt, or regret.
Examples
“She felt a sudden pang of guilt for forgetting his birthday.”
“As the sun began to set, he felt a sharp pang of hunger and realized he hadn't eaten since breakfast.”
“Standing before her childhood home, she was struck by a sudden pang of nostalgia that made the intervening decades seem to vanish in an instant.”
Examples
simple
“She felt a sudden pang of guilt for forgetting his birthday.”
contextual
“As the sun began to set, he felt a sharp pang of hunger and realized he hadn't eaten since breakfast.”
complex
“Standing before her childhood home, she was struck by a sudden pang of nostalgia that made the intervening decades seem to vanish in an instant.”
Usage
Frequently appears in the construction 'a pang of [emotion/sensation]'.
Real-World Examples
“Around 11 am, some very gentle hunger pangs kicked in, but they were easy to shake off by refocusing on some rote Email Job tasks that required my full attention.” “They may even experience the joys of starting to fall in love, or the pangs of jealousy throughout.” “It’s bad news for anyone who hopes the calories in a sugary soda or juice will tide over their hunger pangs; without that satisfying thickness, you’re likely to leave hungry.” - 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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