Top 31 Slang For Anguish – Meaning & Usage

Feeling overwhelmed by the whirlwind of emotions? Look no further as we’ve got you covered with a curated list of the most relatable and expressive slang for anguish. From heart-wrenching phrases to gut-wrenching acronyms, our team has sifted through the linguistic chaos to bring you the most impactful words that capture the essence of anguish. Dive in and explore the language of pain and despair like never before.

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1. Agony

Agony refers to extreme physical or emotional pain. It is often used to describe a state of suffering or distress.

For example, someone might say, “I was in agony after breaking my leg.”
A person going through a difficult breakup might exclaim, “The agony of heartbreak is unbearable.”
In a discussion about chronic illness, a patient might describe their daily struggles as “a constant agony.”

2. Torment

Torment refers to the extreme mental or physical pain that someone experiences. It often implies a prolonged or persistent suffering.

For instance, a person might say, “I was tormented by guilt after making a terrible mistake.”
In a horror movie, a character might be tormented by a malevolent spirit.
A writer describing a character’s past trauma might say, “She carries the torment of her childhood with her.”

3. Heartache

Heartache refers to a deep emotional pain or sorrow, often associated with loss or disappointment in love or relationships.

For example, someone going through a breakup might say, “I’m experiencing such heartache right now.”
A person reflecting on a lost friendship might say, “The heartache of losing someone you thought would be there forever is indescribable.”
A character in a novel might experience heartache after the death of a loved one.

4. Misery

Misery refers to a state of extreme unhappiness or suffering. It is often used to describe a feeling of despair or hopelessness.

For instance, someone might say, “I’m drowning in misery after losing my job.”
In a discussion about poverty, a person might say, “The cycle of misery is difficult to break.”
A character in a play might sing a song about their misery and longing for a better life.

5. Woe

Woe refers to deep sorrow, distress, or trouble. It is often used to express a feeling of sadness or regret.

For example, someone might exclaim, “Woe is me!” to convey their despair.
A person discussing a difficult situation might say, “The woes of life can sometimes feel overwhelming.”
In a poem, the writer might describe the sorrowful state of the world as “a sea of woe.”

6. Despair

A state of extreme sadness or hopelessness. Despair is often characterized by a feeling of complete loss or destruction.

For example, someone going through a difficult breakup might say, “I’m drowning in despair.”
In a discussion about mental health, a person might express, “I’ve experienced moments of despair, but therapy has helped me cope.”
A character in a novel might be described as having “eyes filled with despair” to convey their emotional state.

7. Grief

A deep and intense sadness, usually experienced after a loss or tragedy. Grief can manifest in various ways, including feelings of emptiness, longing, or even anger.

For instance, someone mourning the loss of a loved one might say, “I’m still overwhelmed by grief.”
In a support group, a person might share, “I’m learning to navigate the stages of grief.”
A character in a movie might be depicted as going through the grieving process after a traumatic event.

8. Angst

A feeling of deep anxiety or dread, often accompanied by a sense of unease or restlessness. Angst is typically associated with feelings of existential or philosophical uncertainty.

For example, a teenager might say, “I’m filled with angst about my future.”
In a discussion about mental health, someone might mention, “I struggle with chronic angst.”
A character in a book might be described as having an “angst-ridden expression” to convey their inner turmoil.

9. Suffering

The state of undergoing physical or emotional pain or distress. Suffering often implies a prolonged or intense experience of pain and can encompass various forms of anguish.

For instance, someone with a chronic illness might say, “I’m tired of suffering.”
In a conversation about social issues, a person might assert, “No one should have to endure such suffering.”
A character in a play might exclaim, “The suffering I’ve endured has shaped me into who I am today.”

10. Pain

A physical or emotional sensation that causes discomfort or distress. Pain can range from mild to severe and is often an indicator of injury or illness.

For example, someone with a headache might say, “I’m in pain.”
In a discussion about emotional well-being, a person might express, “I’m trying to heal from past pain.”
A character in a story might describe their heartbreak as “excruciating pain.”

11. Tribulation

Tribulation refers to a state of trouble or suffering, often used to describe a difficult or challenging situation.

For example, “After losing his job, he went through a period of tribulation.”
In a religious context, someone might say, “The faithful believe that tribulations are tests of faith.”
A person describing a tough time in their life might say, “I’ve been through many tribulations, but they’ve made me stronger.”

12. Distress

Distress is a state of extreme anxiety or sorrow, often used to describe a feeling of being overwhelmed or troubled.

For instance, “She was in distress after receiving the bad news.”
In a medical context, a doctor might ask, “Are you experiencing any distress or discomfort?”
A person describing their emotional state might say, “I’m in a state of distress, and I don’t know how to cope.”

13. Agitation

Agitation refers to a state of restlessness or anxiety, often used to describe a feeling of being unsettled or on edge.

For example, “He paced back and forth in agitation.”
In a social context, someone might say, “The political climate has caused a lot of agitation among the population.”
A person describing their emotional state might say, “I can’t sit still, I’m filled with agitation.”

14. Melancholy

Melancholy is a state of deep sadness or depression, often used to describe a feeling of profound sorrow or gloom.

For instance, “She sat alone, lost in melancholy.”
In a literary context, a writer might describe a character’s melancholy as “a heavy weight on their soul.”
A person describing their emotional state might say, “I’ve been feeling a deep sense of melancholy lately.”

15. Desolation

Desolation refers to a feeling of emptiness or abandonment, often used to describe a state of loneliness or isolation.

For example, “The abandoned house had an air of desolation.”
In a post-apocalyptic context, someone might say, “The desolation of the world was overwhelming.”
A person describing their emotional state might say, “I feel a sense of desolation, like I’ve been left behind.”

16. Disquiet

Disquiet refers to a feeling of unease or restlessness. It can also describe a state of anxiety or worry.

For example, “The disquiet in the room was palpable as they awaited the test results.”
Someone experiencing disquiet might say, “I can’t shake this sense of disquiet, like something bad is about to happen.”
A character in a novel might express their disquiet with a line like, “Her disquiet grew with each passing day, as if a storm was brewing inside her.”

17. Lamentation

Lamentation refers to the act of mourning or expressing grief. It can also describe a passionate expression of sorrow or regret.

For instance, “The sound of lamentation filled the air as the community mourned the loss of their leader.”
Someone in a state of lamentation might say, “I can’t help but feel a deep sense of lamentation for the way things turned out.”
In a poem, the author might write, “Her lamentation echoed through the empty halls, a haunting melody of sorrow.”

18. Rue

Rue is a verb that means to feel regret or remorse for something. It can also describe a feeling of sorrow or sadness.

For example, “He will rue the day he crossed me.”
Someone feeling rue might say, “I can’t help but rue the choices I’ve made in the past.”
In a story, a character might reflect, “She looked out at the gray sky and felt a deep sense of rue, knowing she could never go back.”

19. Affliction

Affliction refers to a state of suffering or distress. It can also describe a condition or illness that causes physical or emotional pain.

For instance, “Her affliction made it difficult for her to perform everyday tasks.”
Someone experiencing affliction might say, “I wouldn’t wish this affliction on my worst enemy.”
In a conversation about mental health, someone might mention, “Depression is a common affliction that many people struggle with.”

20. Dolor

Dolor is a noun that refers to physical or emotional pain. It can also describe a state of deep sadness or grief.

For example, “She masked her dolor behind a smile.”
Someone in a state of dolor might say, “The weight of my sorrow feels like an endless dolor.”
In a poem, the author might write, “His heart was heavy with dolor, an ache that consumed him from within.”

21. Mournfulness

This term refers to a state of deep sadness or grief. It is often used to describe the feeling of anguish or sorrow over a loss or tragedy.

For example, “The mournfulness in her eyes was evident as she attended the funeral.”
A person might express their mournfulness by saying, “I can’t shake off this feeling of mournfulness after the breakup.”
In a poem about loss, the poet might write, “The mournfulness in my heart is overwhelming.”

22. Sorrowfulness

This term refers to a state of intense sorrow or sadness. It conveys a deep feeling of anguish or despair.

For instance, “Her sorrowfulness was evident in her tear-stained face.”
A person might describe their sorrowfulness by saying, “I can’t escape this overwhelming sense of sorrowfulness.”
In a novel, the author might write, “The character’s sorrowfulness consumed her, making it hard to find joy in anything.”

23. Disconsolation

Disconsolation refers to a state of extreme sadness or despair. It conveys a feeling of utter hopelessness and anguish.

For example, “His disconsolation was evident in his slumped shoulders and tear-filled eyes.”
A person might express their disconsolation by saying, “I feel a deep sense of disconsolation after the loss of my loved one.”
In a song about heartbreak, the lyrics might express disconsolation with lines like, “I’m drowning in disconsolation, unable to find my way out.”

24. Aggravation

While not exclusively used to describe anguish, aggravation can refer to a state of frustration and annoyance that can lead to feelings of anguish or distress.

For instance, “The constant delays caused him great aggravation and added to his overall sense of anguish.”
A person might express their aggravation by saying, “I can’t handle the aggravation anymore, it’s driving me to the brink of anguish.”
In a conversation about a difficult situation, someone might say, “The constant aggravation is pushing me to the point of anguish.”

25. Sorrow

Sorrow refers to a deep feeling of sadness or grief. While not exclusively slang, it is a commonly used term to describe the emotional state of anguish.

For example, “Her sorrow was palpable as she sat alone in her room.”
A person might express their sorrow by saying, “I can’t shake off this overwhelming sense of sorrow.”
In a poem about loss, the poet might write, “The weight of sorrow hangs heavy on my heart.”

26. Bleakness

Bleakness refers to a state of extreme sadness or hopelessness. It describes a feeling of despair or desolation.

For example, “The bleakness of the situation overwhelmed her.”
In a discussion about a tragic event, someone might say, “The news filled me with a sense of bleakness.”
A person experiencing a difficult time might express, “I can’t shake off this feeling of bleakness.”

27. Dismay

Dismay is a feeling of disappointment or distress. It is often characterized by a sense of sadness, shock, or disbelief.

For instance, “She looked at her failed test with dismay.”
In a conversation about a failed project, someone might express, “I felt a deep sense of dismay.”
A person experiencing a setback might say, “I can’t help but feel a sense of dismay.”

28. Lament

Lament refers to expressing deep sorrow or grief. It involves mourning or grieving over a loss or unfortunate event.

For example, “She lamented the loss of her beloved pet.”
In a discussion about a tragedy, someone might express, “We all joined together to lament the loss.”
A person going through a difficult time might say, “I can’t help but lament the state of things.”

29. Pining

Pining refers to a strong feeling of longing or yearning for someone or something. It often involves a sense of sadness or melancholy.

For instance, “He spent his days pining for his lost love.”
In a conversation about unrequited love, someone might express, “I can’t help but pine for them.”
A person missing a loved one might say, “I’m constantly pining for their presence.”

30. Mourn

To mourn is to express deep sorrow or grief over a loss. It involves showing sadness or sorrow as a way of honoring or remembering someone or something.

For example, “The family gathered to mourn the loss of their loved one.”
In a discussion about a tragedy, someone might say, “We mourned the lives lost.”
A person grieving the end of a relationship might express, “I need time to mourn the loss.”

31. Disconsolate

Feeling extreme sadness or despair, often due to a loss or disappointment. The term “disconsolate” implies a deep sense of anguish and sorrow.

For instance, a person who just went through a breakup might say, “I feel disconsolate without them.”
In a discussion about grief, someone might share, “Losing a loved one can leave you feeling disconsolate for months.”
A character in a book might be described as “disconsolate” after a tragic event in the story.