What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
anguish
Example
The mother's anguish was palpable when she learned of her son's death. [anguish: noun]
Example
He anguished over the decision for days before finally making up his mind. [anguished: verb]
distress
Example
The news of the layoffs caused great distress among the employees. [distress: noun]
Example
She was distressed by the thought of having to move to a new city. [distressed: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Distress is more commonly used than anguish in everyday language. Distress is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while anguish is less common and tends to be used in more dramatic or intense situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between anguish and distress?
Both anguish and distress can be used in formal or informal contexts, but anguish may be considered more formal due to its intensity and severity.
