忧虑 (yōu lǜ) is a compound word meaning 'anxiety' or 'worry'—a feeling of unease about something uncertain or potentially negative. The first character, 忧 (yōu), conveys sorrow or concern; the second, 虑 (lǜ), means 'to think carefully' or 'to consider', often with a sense of apprehension. Together, they express the mental state of anxious contemplation—repeatedly thinking about possible problems or bad outcomes.

This word functions as both a noun ('feelings of anxiety') and a verb ('to worry'). It’s commonly used in formal writing, news reports, psychological contexts, and daily conversation when describing persistent, thoughtful concern—not fleeting nervousness. Unlike more casual terms like 担心 (dān xīn), 忧虑 carries a slightly heavier, more reflective tone, often implying longer-term or deeper emotional weight.