Distress

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the phrase "Distress" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a state of emotional or physical suffering. An example is: "She felt a deep sense of distress after hearing the news." Alternative expressions include "anguish" and "sorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If you are in distress and would like assistance, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, BeyondBlue on 1300 224 636 or Mensline on 1300 789 978 for support and information.

The Guardian

In the British Muslim community, by no means homogenous, Warsi should gain some support for putting her job where her mouth is over the distress of Gaza.

The Guardian

"We have spoken to the parents who were visiting force headquarters with their children to explain what happened and have apologised for any distress caused".

The Guardian

It is having a damaging effect on the care of thousands of patients right across the NHS, with far too many now suffering the distress of having even the most urgent operations cancelled at the last minute.

The Guardian

She photographed toffs and people in slums, she photographedthe famous and the unknown, those in great distress and those full of gladness and success, and she saw beyond richness, poverty, status and the lack of it, to the human heart.

The Guardian - Arts

As she was carried into the ambulance she gave me a little wave to calm my distress as if to say: "Don't worry I'll be OK".

The Guardian

Australian Customs and Border Protection (CBP) services and related rescue agencies need to improve interagency co-ordination of rescues of asylum seekers in distress, internal reviews into three fatal boat sinkings have said.

The Guardian

Dressed in her nightgown her face is tranquil; a few beads of sweat gathering at her temples the only sign of a concealed distress.

The Guardian

"It isn't a status thing," he says, of his current distress.

The Guardian

At the time of writing the report, though exhibiting signs of mental distress, she had not been transferred.

The Guardian

"The rewards and punishments model shown in the report is an outmoded approach and there's nothing in there about properly dealing with the obvious issues of distress and breakdown in detention," she said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "distress" in formal contexts to describe a serious problem or dangerous situation, such as a ship sending out a "distress" signal.

Common error

Avoid using "distress" in casual conversation when a simpler word like "worry" or "concern" would suffice. Overusing formal vocabulary can sound unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The word "distress" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a state of suffering or a situation of danger. As Ludwig indicates, it denotes discomfort or serious peril. Examples show it describing emotional states and emergency situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "distress" is a word with a range of related meanings, most commonly referring to a state of suffering or danger. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in numerous contexts, primarily in news, formal writing, and scientific fields. While grammatically straightforward, understanding its intensity and formality is crucial for effective use. Related terms include "suffering", "agony" and "hardship". Consider the context carefully to ensure that "distress" accurately reflects the severity and nature of the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Suffering

Focuses on the experience of pain or hardship.

Misery

Suggests a state of great unhappiness or suffering.

Anguish

Conveys severe mental or physical pain or suffering.

Agony

Implies extreme physical or mental suffering.

Torment

Implies severe physical or mental suffering.

Hardship

Emphasizes difficult or challenging conditions.

Woe

Describes great sorrow or distress.

Tribulation

Focuses on a cause of great trouble or suffering.

Trouble

Refers to a state of difficulty or adversity.

Adversity

Highlights unfavorable circumstances or misfortune.

FAQs

How to use "Distress" in a sentence?

You can use "Distress" to describe a state of emotional suffering, as in "She was in a state of great distress after the accident." It can also refer to a situation of danger or need, such as "The ship sent out a distress signal."

What can I say instead of "Distress"?

You can use alternatives like "suffering", "agony", or "hardship" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "Distress" or "Stress"?

"Stress" generally refers to a state of mental or emotional strain or tension. "Distress" implies a more severe state of suffering or danger. The choice depends on the intensity of the situation you are describing.

What's the difference between "Distress" and "Anxiety"?

"Anxiety" is a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an event or something with an uncertain outcome. "Distress" is a broader term encompassing suffering, pain, or trouble, which may or may not be directly related to anxiety.