The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word ANGST
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
A
N
G
S
T
More clues leading to the result ANGST
- Strong tastes, first to last, creating uncomfortable feeling
- Horrible feeling commonly looms over time
- Horrible giants, one departing in state of anxiety
- Worry gangster has got in
- What starts off anxious new guy sensing trouble?
- Manage surety in prime locations in dread
- Little time lost amongst all that apprehension
- Anxious state no good in a street
- Chronic unease stings, first to last
- Dread finishing ultra marathon going less fast
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Anxious state" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case anxious state = angst.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does ANGST mean?
ANGST noun- Emotional turmoil; painful sadness.
- A feeling of acute but vague anxiety or apprehension often accompanied by depression, especially philosophical anxiety.
- To suffer angst; to fret.