agony

[ˈæɡəni]

agony Definition

  • 1extreme physical or mental suffering
  • 2a state of intense pain or struggle

Using agony: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "agony" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The athlete was in agony after injuring his knee.

  • Example

    She cried out in agony as the dentist drilled her tooth.

  • Example

    The family went through agonies waiting for news of their missing son.

agony Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for agony

Antonyms for agony

Phrases with agony

  • experiencing extreme physical or mental pain

    Example

    The patient was writhing in agony on the hospital bed.

  • a person, typically a woman, who gives advice to people with personal problems, especially in a regular magazine or newspaper column

    Example

    I wrote to the agony aunt about my relationship troubles.

  • a man who gives advice to people with personal problems, especially in a regular magazine or newspaper column

    Example

    He is a well-known agony uncle who has been giving advice for over 20 years.

Origins of agony

from Greek 'agonia', meaning 'contest'

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Summary: agony in Brief

'Agony' [ˈæɡəni] refers to extreme physical or mental suffering, often characterized by intense pain or struggle. It can be used to describe both physical and emotional pain, as in 'The athlete was in agony after injuring his knee.' Phrases like 'in agony' and 'agony aunt' use 'agony' to denote extreme pain and a person who gives advice to those in distress, respectively.

How do native speakers use this expression?