angst
Angst (noun) means a deep, often vague feeling of anxiety or dread, sometimes tied to broader worries about life or meaning. Example: “The novel captures the teenage angst of growing up in a small town.”
How to Use Angst
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA gnawing sense of anxiety or unease, often about big-picture worries rather than one specific fear.
Word Forms
angsted past tense, angsts singular
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
The novel captures the teenage _____ of growing up in a small town.
Etymology
Borrowed from German Angst ("fear, anxiety"), popularized in English through translations of Kierkegaard's philosophy.
Rhymes for angst
See all rhymes for angst →Frequently Asked Questions
What does “angst” mean?
The word “angst” means a deep, often vague feeling of anxiety or dread, sometimes tied to broader worries about life or meaning. In plain terms, a gnawing sense of anxiety or unease, often about big-picture worries rather than one specific fear.
How do you pronounce “angst”?
“Angst” is pronounced ANGST (/ˈeɪ̯ŋ(k)st/ in IPA).
How do you use “angst” in a sentence?
Here is “angst” used in a sentence: “The novel captures the teenage angst of growing up in a small town.”
What part of speech is “angst”?
“Angst” is a noun.
Where does the word “angst” come from?
The word “angst” comes from German. Borrowed from German Angst ("fear, anxiety"), popularized in English through translations of Kierkegaard's philosophy.
Is “angst” a common word?
“Angst” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C2 level.
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