anxiety

A feeling of fear or worry about something that may happen.

• She felt anxiety before the exam.
• Money problems caused him a lot of anxiety.
• His anxiety about the journey kept him awake.

How to use it: anxiety about something (Her anxiety about the results was growing.)

Similar words: worry, unease

Opposites: calm

Common phrases: anxiety about something, cause anxiety, feel anxiety, severe anxiety

A strong wish to do or get something, mixed with worry.

• Her anxiety to please was clear.
• His anxiety for approval led to mistakes.
• In their anxiety to succeed, they ignored good advice.

How to use it: anxiety to do something (His anxiety to impress made him nervous.); anxiety for something (Her anxiety for success drove her to work harder.)

Similar words: eagerness

Common phrases: anxiety to please, anxiety for success, anxiety to succeed