anxious

/ˈæŋkʃəs/

Reviewed on

Type

Adjective

Meaning

  1. Experiencing worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome.

    • He felt anxious about the upcoming job interview and could not sleep.

    • Why are you looking so anxious today?

  2. Eagerly desirous to do something or for something to happen.

    • The team was anxious to begin working on the new design.

    • Are they anxious for the final results to arrive?

How it's used

When this means “worried about something”

  • anxious about the test

She grew anxious about the test results.

When this means “eager to do something”

  • anxious to leave

We were anxious to leave before the storm hit.

Collocations

  • anxious moments
  • feel anxious
  • grow anxious
  • anxious to please
  • anxious anticipation

Synonyms

  • worried
  • nervous
  • apprehensive
  • eager
  • keen

Antonyms

  • calm
  • composed
  • reluctant