angst
Americannoun
noun
-
an acute but nonspecific sense of anxiety or remorse
-
(in Existentialist philosophy) the dread caused by man's awareness that his future is not determined but must be freely chosen
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of angst
First recorded in 1840–50; from German Angst “fear, anxiety,” Old High German angust (cognate with Middle Low German angest, Middle Dutch anxt ), from ang- (akin to eng “narrow, constricted”) + -st, abstract noun suffix
Explanation
Angst is a feeling of anxiety and frustration that isn't specific. People often feel angst about the state of the world, or about the state of their homework. Angst is anxiety that is mixed with frustration and negativity. Angst often doesn’t have a specific target: people feel angst in general. Teenagers are known for their angst, which is shown when they act miserable about nothing in particular. Often, angst refers to philosophical displeasure with world events or personal freedom. An angst-filled person is dissatisfied and unhappy.
Vocabulary lists containing angst
100 Words to Make You Sound Smart
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This Week in Words: October 13 – 20, 2018
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Don't Panic! Synonyms for "Stress"
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Another night of pressure and angst is guaranteed, but there's nowhere else on earth these people would rather be.
From BBC • Jun. 14, 2026
In many ways, the most ambitious World Cup in history — which kicked off Thursday in Mexico City — has inspired more angst than anticipation, more fear than fervor.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 12, 2026
Stubbornly high Treasury yields, the lack of an agreement on ending the U.S. war with Iran, and a near 10% gain for global crude prices since last Friday’s close added to the market’s angst.
From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026
Unlike the other Abstract Expressionists Hofmann was fueled by optimism, not angst.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 23, 2026
I pantomime excellent health, existential angst, regret, and an enormous sense of loss, all via a single nod.
From "Everything, Everything" by Nicola Yoon
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
