Existential/ˌeɡzɪˈstenʃl/ Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Personal Relevance Use 'existential' to describe deep personal concerns about life's purpose or survival. She felt an existential urge to find her true passion in life. Pro Tip 2/3Not Always Negative 'Existential' may be positive, describing a discovery that affirms life's meaning. His existential joy came from helping others. Pro Tip 3/3Crisis Situations 'Existential' often refers to crises questioning the core of human existence. Many novels revolve around the protagonist's existential struggle.