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
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
This Week in Words: October 13 – 20, 2018
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Don't Panic! Synonyms for "Stress"
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
The figures come during rising angst about when the vast sums of cash pumped into AI software and hardware will see a meaningful return, if ever.
From Barron's ● Aug. 26, 2026
That stance soothed the market’s angst, but industry observers are still watching to see how DSI carries out its mandate.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 24, 2026
A season of glory and a season of angst.
From BBC ● Aug. 17, 2026
The backlash has prompted Meta to update its glasses to address privacy concerns, and some places have banned them, adding to the angst surrounding technology that’s rapidly evolving.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 7, 2026
Here was all the angst I felt before the heroes of February, distilled and quotable.
From "Between the World and Me" by Ta-Nehisi Coates
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.
