Distressing: meaning, definitions and examples

Appropriate for describing situations that cause severe emotional pain or anxiety.

• The news of the accident was deeply distressing
• She found the loss of her job particularly distressing

Used to describe situations that cause emotional disturbance or discomfort, more personal than general.

• The argument with her friend was very upsetting
• Watching the sad movie was really upsetting

Describes conditions that cause concern or anxiety but are less intense than alarming situations.

• The decline in his health is worrying
• It is worrying that she hasn't called back

Applied when something causes a loss of hope or spirit, often in an ongoing struggle.

• It was disheartening to see her hard work go unrecognized
• The team's repeated losses were disheartening

Best used when a situation invokes fear or a sense of urgent danger.

• The sudden drop in stock prices was alarming
• There was an alarming increase in crime rates

Use this word when describing something that causes sadness, pain, or worry. It has a strong emotional impact and often refers to situations that are emotionally overwhelming.

• The news about the disaster was extremely distressing.
• The child found the experience of moving to a new school distressing.

This word is often used to describe something that has been used so much that it looks old and damaged. It can also refer to people who are very tired and exhausted.

• His shoes were worn after years of daily use.
• She felt worn after working all night.

This word is typically used when referring to someone who is experiencing problems or emotional difficulties, or to situations that involve conflict or disorder.

• She had a troubled childhood due to her parents' constant fights.
• The company is going through a troubled period with numerous financial issues.