Inquiétude vs. anxiété vs. angoisse
While inquiétude, anxiété, and angoisse all relate to fear or worry, they occupy different levels on the intensity scale. Inquiétude is a specific mental concern, anxiété is a general psychological state of unease, and angoisse is an intense, physically constricting dread.
Inquiétude
B1This is the mildest term, corresponding to worry or concern. It is primarily a mental state where the mind is focused on a specific problem or uncertainty. It lacks the severe physical symptoms associated with the other two terms.
L'inquiétude se lisait sur son visage quand elle a vu l'orage arriver.
(Worry could be read on her face when she saw the storm arriving.)
J'ai une certaine inquiétude concernant le budget de ce mois-ci.
(I have some concern regarding this month's budget.)
Son retard a causé beaucoup d'inquiétude à ses parents.
(His lateness caused a lot of worry for his parents.)
Il n'y a pas lieu d'avoir de l'inquiétude pour si peu.
(There is no reason to have worry for so little.)
Anxiété
B2This translates directly to anxiety in a general or medical sense. It is a diffuse, psychological feeling of apprehension or nervousness, often regarding future uncertainties. It is more constant and deep than simple worry.
Il souffre d'anxiété chronique et doit consulter un médecin.
(He suffers from chronic anxiety and must consult a doctor.)
L'anxiété de la performance peut paralyser les athlètes.
(Performance anxiety can paralyze athletes.)
Elle ressent une vague d'anxiété avant chaque examen.
(She feels a wave of anxiety before every exam.)
Le café peut parfois augmenter mon niveau d'anxiété.
(Coffee can sometimes increase my level of anxiety.)
Angoisse
B2This is the strongest and most visceral term, translating to anguish, dread, or severe panic. It creates immediate physical symptoms, such as a knot in the stomach, a tight throat, or difficulty breathing.
Une crise d'angoisse m'a soudainement coupé le souffle.
(An anxiety attack suddenly took my breath away.)
Elle a senti une boule d'angoisse dans sa gorge.
(She felt a ball of dread in her throat.)
L'angoisse de la mort est un thème fréquent en philosophie.
(The dread of death is a frequent theme in philosophy.)
Se réveiller en pleine nuit avec une terrible angoisse.
(Waking up in the middle of the night with terrible anguish.)
Summary
To choose the correctly, focus on intensity and physical sensation. Use inquiétude for concrete mental worries (thoughts), anxiété for a general nervous state or psychological condition (feelings), and angoisse for overwhelming dread that physically tightens your chest or stomach (visceral sensation).