worried

In this weekly post, we bring more useful content from the Macmillan Dictionary to English language learners. In this series of language tips to accompany the Real Vocabulary theme we look at how you can expand your vocabulary in English by using different words and expressions instead of core vocabulary items.

This set of language tips explores the words and phrases we use to talk about feelings. This week’s tip looks at adjectives and phrases that mean worried:

worried:

• Everyone was worried when John didn’t show up.
  
• We are very worried about the future.
• I was worried that we would oversleep and miss the flight.
• a worried frown

worried sick very worried:

• Your mother and I have been worried sick about you.

anxious worried because you think something bad might happen, so that you are unable to relax:

• His silence made me anxious.
• People are naturally anxious about these tests.
• He shot her an anxious glance.

concerned worried about something, but trying to deal with it in a calm way:

• Concerned parents held a meeting to discuss the issue.
• Police said they were concerned about the boy’s safety.
• She was concerned that the matter might become public.

bothered feeling worried or upset about something:

• You don’t seem too bothered about it.

Did you know that Macmillan Dictionary includes a full thesaurus? This page lists more ways to say ‘feeling worried‘.

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