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Distressing: meaning, definitions and examples

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distressing

 

[dɪˈstrɛsɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling

Causing anxiety, sorrow, or pain; upsetting or disheartening.

Synonyms

alarming, disheartening, upsetting, worrying.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
distressing

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
upsetting

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
worrying

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
disheartening

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
alarming

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

Examples of usage

  • It was distressing to see the devastation caused by the natural disaster.
  • She received distressing news about her family member's health.
  • The distressing images from the war zone left a lasting impact on the viewers.
  • The distressing sound of sirens filled the air.
  • The distressing situation brought tears to her eyes.
Context #2 | Adjective

appearance

Having a worn, troubled, or strained appearance.

Synonyms

strained, troubled, worn.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
distressing

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.
worn

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.
troubled

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.

Examples of usage

  • His distressing expression revealed the pain he was feeling.
  • She had a distressing look in her eyes, as if she had been crying.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Experiencing distress can affect both your mind and body, leading to feelings of sadness or anxiety.
  • Chronic distress can impair cognitive function, making it hard to think clearly or remember things.
  • People have different thresholds for distress; what bothers one person might not bother another.

Literature

  • Many authors use distressing themes to explore human emotions, leading to deeper character development.
  • Classic literature often illustrates social issues that create distress, urging readers to reflect on society's ills.
  • Poets frequently convey distress through metaphorical language, evoking strong emotional responses in readers.

Health

  • Prolonged distress can lead to physical health issues, impacting the heart and immune system.
  • Stress management techniques, such as mindfulness or exercise, can help reduce feelings of distress.
  • Emotional distress is recognized in medical settings, and professionals often use support groups for healing.

History

  • Wars and financial crises throughout history have caused widespread distress among affected populations.
  • The Great Depression resulted in significant psychological distress and social upheaval for millions globally.
  • Historical figures often depicted their personal distress in letters or journals, offering insights into past societal struggles.

Pop Culture

  • Many films and songs explore distressing themes, often portraying characters in challenging situations.
  • Reality TV often highlights distressing moments, where participants face emotional challenges for entertainment.
  • Artists sometimes express their own distress through visual art, creating impactful pieces that resonate with viewers.

Translations

Translations of the word "distressing" in other languages:

🇵🇹 angustiante

🇮🇳 कष्टप्रद

🇩🇪 beunruhigend

🇮🇩 menyedihkan

🇺🇦 тривожний

🇵🇱 niepokojący

🇯🇵 心を痛める

🇫🇷 angoissant

🇪🇸 angustiante

🇹🇷 üzücü

🇰🇷 괴로운

🇸🇦 مزعج

🇨🇿 znepokojivý

🇸🇰 znepokojujúci

🇨🇳 令人痛苦的

🇸🇮 zaskrbljujoč

🇮🇸 kvíðvænlegt

🇰🇿 мазасыздандыратын

🇬🇪 მტანჯველი

🇦🇿 narahatlıq doğuran

🇲🇽 angustiante

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,453, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.