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Anxious vs. Eager: What's the Difference?
Quick answer
- Anxious carries worry, you're uneasy about what's ahead.
- Eager carries enthusiasm, you want it to happen.
The difference
Both describe anticipation, but the feeling underneath is opposite. Saying you're anxious to start a new job tells your reader you're nervous; eager tells them you're keen.
Anxious
- Usually
- adjective
- Think
- uneasy
- Meaning
- Worried or nervous about something that may happen.
- Example
- She felt anxious before the results came out.
Eager
- Usually
- adjective
- Think
- keen
- Meaning
- Strongly wanting to do or have something.
- Example
- They were eager to get started.
When to use anxious
Use anxious when unease, dread or nervousness is the main feeling.
- He was anxious about the interview all week.
- An anxious silence settled over the room.
When to use eager
Use eager when the anticipation is positive.
- New hires are usually eager to prove themselves.
- She was eager for feedback.
Remember it
Anxious = anxiety. Eager = energy.
“Anxious to meet you” is common in speech and understood as enthusiasm, but in writing, eager is clearer.
Common mix-up
Incorrect: We're anxious to welcome you to the team!
Correct: We're eager to welcome you to the team!
A welcome message should sound enthusiastic, not nervous.
The difference in real life
In real life
Anxious: “I'm anxious about Monday's review.” Eager: “I'm eager to hear what they think.” Same event, very different message.
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