What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
agitation
Example
The patient's agitation was a sign of discomfort. [agitation: noun]
Example
The political rally caused a lot of agitation among the crowd. [agitation: noun]
anxiety
Example
She felt a sense of anxiety before her job interview. [anxiety: noun]
Example
He has been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. [anxiety: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Anxiety is more commonly used than agitation in everyday language. Anxiety is a common mental health condition that affects many people, while agitation is less common and often used in specific contexts such as healthcare or politics.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between agitation and anxiety?
Both agitation and anxiety can be used in formal and informal contexts, but anxiety is more versatile and commonly used in various settings such as healthcare, education, and social interactions.