Worry
Worry is the mental activity of dwelling on possible future problems, turning over what might go wrong. It is the cognitive companion of anxiety, consisting largely of repetitive thoughts about uncertain or threatening outcomes. Worry can be mild and brief or persistent and circular, and in small amounts it can prompt useful planning and preparation. When it loops without resolution, however, it tends to drain attention and energy without changing the situation. Worry is described here as an everyday emotional experience, not as a clinical condition.
Sources: American Psychological Association — APA Dictionary: emotion; Greater Good Science Center, UC Berkeley — Emotions; Plutchik's Wheel of Emotions (Robert Plutchik) — overview; National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) — Anxiety Disorders. Educational information only — not medical or psychological advice. See our sources & fact-check policy.
Frequently asked questions
What is worry?
Worry is the mental activity of dwelling on possible future problems, turning over what might go wrong. It is the cognitive companion of anxiety, consisting largely of repetitive thoughts about uncertain or threatening outcomes. Worry can…
What triggers worry?
Worry is typically triggered by uncertain outcomes, potential problems, responsibilities, what-ifs.
How is worry expressed?
Worry is commonly shown through furrowed brow, restlessness, fidgeting, distracted gaze, tense posture.
More complex & secondary emotions
All complex & secondary emotions →
Compare the emotions
See how this emotion compares with others on valence, triggers, and expression in our side-by-side table.
Compare emotions →