To feel anxious, uneasy, or troubled about something that may happen or a situation that is uncertain.
When you keep thinking about something bad that might happen and it makes you feel scared or nervous.
4 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
To feel ongoing anxiety or fear about a possible problem, danger, or negative outcome.
"She worries about her son every time he drives home late at night."
I tell my kids, don't worry about failure — you only have to be right once.
— Drew Houston, founder of Dropbox; MIT Commencement Address (2013)
Used in the negative imperative ('don't worry about') to tell someone they should not be troubled by something, either because it is unimportant or because it is already handled.
"Don't worry about the dishes — I'll clean up after you leave."
Don't worry about a thing, 'cause every little thing gonna be alright.
— Bob Marley, Three Little Birds (1977)
To occupy your mind excessively with concerns about something to the point that it affects your wellbeing or decision-making.
"He worries so much about what other people think that he never says what he really feels."
You can't be that kid standing at the top of the waterslide, overthinking it. You have to go down the chute.
— Tina Fey, Bossypants (2011) — illustrating the cost of excessive worry about outcomes
(Informal) To bother yourself with something that is considered outside your concern or responsibility — often used dismissively.
"You just focus on your own work and don't worry about what your colleagues are doing."
Technically a verb + preposition combination rather than a classic two-particle phrasal verb, but functions as a lexical unit. Can be used reflexively in reassurance: 'Don't worry about it.' Also used in the imperative to dismiss a concern: 'Don't worry about the cost.' Very common across all English varieties and registers. The gerund form 'worrying about' is frequently used as a subject or complement.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Listen to native speakers using "worry about" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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