Kakorrhaphiophobia: Wacky Word Wednesday

kakorrhaphiophobia [ka-kor-‘haf-E-O-‘fo-bE-u] -noun An abnormal fear of failure

Kakorrhaphiophobia comes from a combination of the Greek phrase Kakos, “bad and evil,” and Phobos, “fear.” The English word “cacophony,” which describes “a harsh discordant mixture of sounds,” shares the same root. Today’s wacky word is associated with the more commonly used term “Atychiphobia.” It is used to describe the medical condition of someone who fears failure and looking bad in every aspect of life. Patients diagnosed with kakorrhaphiophobia often have symptoms ranging from occasional anxiety to anything associated with panic such as shortness of breath, nausea, and shaking. Because of their fear, many patients choose to live in total isolation.

Serious kakorrhaphiophobia is rare, but we think it’s fair to say that living in today’s competitive society can make us a little kakorrhaphiophobic at times. Whether we’re afraid of failing to impress our supervisor, pleasing our significant other, or meeting family expectations, sometimes it’s hard not to be afraid of potential failure. However, experts say being able to feel the risk is not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, the best way to eliminate the fear of kakorrhaphiophobia, according to a website called “Phobia Fear Release” is to accept risk and failure head on. By understanding that failure is sometimes the path to success, you will be encouraged to pursue your goals, whatever the risk.

Here are two examples of kakorrhaphiophobia used in a sentence.

• This is the last word that someone with kakorrhaphiophobia would want to encounter in a spelling bee. (Wattapad)

• As he struggled to accept his new responsibility, Harry was burdened beyond relief by kakorrhaphiophobia. (Horne Learning Services)

That’s all for today’s Wacky Word Wednesday. No matter what you would like to pursue or how much of a perfectionist you are, we hope you stay optimistic and never let fear of failure get in your way to achieve big things!

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