distressing

Meaning(s)

1. causing anxiety, sorrow or pain

Popularity

Medium

Professional

Medium

Social

Check Icon How to Memorize

distressing news/pictures/story

Check Icon Analysis

 This adjective describes something that causes worry, pain or is upsetting. You might be in a 'distressing situation' or hear some 'distressing news'. The word distressing is used to talk about events or situations which are negatively emotive. 

Check Icon Social Examples (Basic)

  1. The soldier's mother collapsed when she heard the distressing news.
  2. Reporter: Some viewers may find these pictures distressing. 

Check Icon Professional Examples (Basic)

  1. The news of our co-worker's illness is very distressing for all of us so please take the rest of the day off if you need to.
  2. Learning how our suppliers treat their staff is very distressing so we are investing in education, medical and childcare programs as well as providing a living wage to those who are making our clothing in an effort to improve the situation.

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