1. excessive worry, anxiety, or distress, especially when expressed publicly
Usage: often implies ineffective or unproductive concern
2. the literal act of twisting or wringing one’s hands together, typically as a gesture of distress or anxiety
Usage: literal physical action

Examples

• The politician’s handwringing over the budget crisis did little to solve the problem.
• There was much handwringing among parents about the new school policy.
• Instead of handwringing, we need to take concrete action.
• Her constant handwringing made everyone around her more anxious.
• The old woman sat in her chair, handwringing as she worried about her son.
• The committee’s handwringing lasted for hours without reaching a decision.