Definition of angst
: a feeling of anxiety, apprehension, or insecurity
- teenage angst
What's Trending Now
More Trending Words
Examples of angst in a Sentence
- The winner of France's prestigious Prix de Flore, "Report on Myself" is a study in raw angst and mortifying self-disclosure: a portrait of the artist as a lover who just can't catch a break. —Caroline Weber, New York Times Book Review, 15 Feb. 2009
- Adapting Alicia Erian's novel, writer-director Alan Ball showcases both the knack for sketching out thorny relationships that distinguished Six Feet Under and the impulse for … suburban angst that befouled his script for American Beauty. —Troy Patterson, Spin, September 2008
- The retail category, of course, has been a source of angst among newspapers for some time. Retail ad volume in papers has declined for much of the past 15 years, according to Merrill Lynch research. —Lucia Moses et al., Editor & Publisher, 8 Oct. 2001
- One way to increase these health benefits is to learn how to write more fluidly and with less angst and frustration. When you're engaged with what you're doing, the rest of the world recedes. —Susan H. Perry, Psychology Today, November/December 2001
a film about teenage angst
Recent Examples of angst from the Web
-
Eighteen,’ a song of teenage angst, became the first hit for shock-rock pioneer Alice Cooper.
-
In an era that is often remembered for its male angst, Kittie proved that young women could be just as vitriolic -- and crushingly heavy -- as their older male peers.
-
Her parents initially suspected youthful angst, not drug addiction.
-
The plans culminated six days later under the grand chandelier of the White House’s state dining room, where Trump sat face-to-face with survivors of gun violence and the relatives of victims and witnessed their angst and raw anger.
-
The second follows a backyard neighborhood gathering full of angst, inadequacy and humor as three couples face the apocalypse and its aftermath.
-
In the vein of her '90s grunge idols — Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love came to mind — Bognanno sang with soft, aching angst that swelled to vein-popping screams.
-
The diplomacy was welcomed by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who has repeatedly expressed angst about the threat of war on the Korean Peninsula.
-
Film and fashion tend to attract folks who are inherently insecure in their skin—who think beauty and facade and fame is the answer to their existential angst.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'angst.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of angst
Danish & German; Danish, from German
ANGST Defined for English Language Learners
Definition of angst for English Language Learners
-
: a strong feeling of being worried or nervous : a feeling of anxiety about your life or situation
Learn More about angst
-
Britannica English: Translation of angst for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up angst? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
