anxiousness

American  

[angk-shuhs-nis, ang-] / ˈæŋk ʃəs nɪs, ˈæŋ- /

noun

1. the state of being greatly worried; mental distress or uneasiness because of fear of danger or misfortune; anxiety.

   The warm welcome from her new classmates made all her anxiousness go away.

2. the state of being earnestly desirous; eagerness (followed by to orfor ).

   As he sat in the cabin of the combat plane, he felt no fear or apprehension, just anxiousness to get airborne.

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Other Word Forms

• unanxiousness noun

Etymology

Origin of anxiousness

First recorded in 1630–40; anxious ( def. ) + -ness ( def. )

Example Sentences

When he was awake, he was gripped by anxiousness and fear.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

"It will just take the anxiousness away from every storm, every winter - even when it rains the anxiety levels are through the roof," she said.

From BBC • Feb. 1, 2026

“That’s the only anxiousness I feel. It’s not because of my illness, let’s put it that way,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 31, 2025

He admitted a bit of anxiousness crept in as he wondered who he’d been paired with, before he spotted a clue about the identity of his mystery roommate.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 18, 2024

At the station he sees his father waiting on the darkened platform, wearing sneakers and corduroys, anxiousness in his face.

From "The Namesake" by Jhumpa Lahiri