low-grade worry
noun phraseUK /ˌləʊ ɡreɪd ˈwʌri/
US /ˌloʊ ɡreɪd ˈwɜːri/
A small worry that stays with you for a long time.
She felt a low-grade worry about the test all week.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A slight but constant feeling that something might go wrong.
There was a low-grade worry in the office before the big meeting.
3. A worry that is not strong enough to stop you from doing things.
His low-grade worry about money never kept him from going to work.
4. A small, ongoing doubt about how something will turn out.
I have a low-grade worry that the package won't arrive on time.