handwringing
8.0
Showing too much worry that does not lead to action
- adjective
- /ˈhændˌrɪŋɪŋ/
- Informal
:
preocupante
- What we have is a cast of hundreds, including hamstrung, handwringing politicians telling us ad nauseum that there are questions that need answering and a White House press corps that doesn't know the questions.
Examples
-
The ongoing handwringing over climate change has yet to produce any concrete solutions.
-
Despite all the handwringing about the budget deficit, no one seems willing to make cuts.
-
Her handwringing in meetings only adds to the team's anxiety without leading to any helpful decisions.
Synonyms
overwrought
vshandwringing
13
7.8
Feeling very nervous and upset because of strong emotion
expresses excessive worry without acting or becoming visibly agitated
Antonyms
How Worried
Surface Forms
handwringing positive
Morphology
Etymology
Handwringing as an adjective comes from the image of someone wringing their hands in worry, and wring means 'to twist' or 'to squeeze', like when you wring out a towel. That's why calling a statement or reaction handwringing says it shows a lot of anxious worry but little practical action.