adjective

apprehensive

/ˌæp.rɪˈhen.sɪv/ · say it: ap·ruh·HEN·siv

anxious about the future

In Emotions & Moods

In more detail

feeling worried or anxious about something that might happen

Examples

She felt apprehensive about her job interview tomorrow.
He was apprehensive that the storm might delay their travel plans.

How to use apprehensive

Apprehensive describes a state of worry or dread, typically about something anticipated in the future. It is more formal and suggests a deeper, more sustained anxiety than casual worry, and often implies a sense of foreboding or unease about specific outcomes.

Common phrases

apprehensive about
feel apprehensive
somewhat apprehensive
deeply apprehensive
apprehensive mood

Synonyms

anxious · worried · uneasy · nervous · concerned

Opposites

confident · assured · calm

Word family

apprehension (noun) · apprehensively (adverb)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse apprehensive with 'appreciative' (grateful), which sounds similar but has an entirely different meaning.

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