a distressing feeling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a distressing feeling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an emotional state that causes discomfort or anxiety. Example: "After hearing the news, I was overwhelmed by a distressing feeling that I couldn't shake off."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

A large study released this month found that women are more empathetic and men more analytical, and there is some evidence to show that women's brains will stay with a distressing feeling while a male brain will seek a solution.

Vice

An example might help us here: an abnormal experience of strange bodily sensations might be verbalized by the patient as, for example, a distressing "feeling, as if there are electric vibrations in my spine".

European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

At the end of each interview the respondents are given the opportunity to ask questions and informed that a psychologist or physician with experience on PTSD is available if they wish to talk about any distressing feelings evoked by the interview.

BMC Public Health

A skit about a visit to a dentist's office was shown with the camera peering up at the dentist working, giving the viewer the distressing feeling of sitting in the chair.

The New York Times - Arts

For Shelley, Mika, and everyone else close to Emma, not knowing what happened is the most distressing feeling.

Vice

Loneliness is the distressing feeling associated with the perceived absence of satisfying social relationships [ 1].

Current Biology

Although self-harm is often conceptualised as a way of regulating difficult emotions [ 11], in this study only half of those who self-harmed without suicidal intent and just over one third of those who self-harmed and wanted to die felt better as a result, suggesting that for many the action has not brought relief, or has replaced one distressing feeling for another.

BMC Psychiatry

We may pursue money, attention, a relationship, material objects, sensory pleasure, drugs, or anything else that we have concluded will provide an antidote to the distressing feelings of fragmentation and disconnection.

Huffington Post

Depersonalization disorder (DPD) is a psychiatric syndrome characterized by persistent and distressing feelings of unreality and alterations in a person's sense of self [1] as defined in DSM-IV-TR [2].

Brain Stimulation

"We know that young people who are struggling with mental health problems are more likely to abuse alcohol, drugs and prescription medication in an attempt to switch off from distressing feelings".

The Guardian

They love gardening because "it's a displacement activity, the expression of thwarted creativity, eroticism, distressing feelings of social insecurity and shapeless foggy violence".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "a distressing feeling" with specific triggers to enhance the reader's understanding of the emotional state you are describing.

Common error

Avoid using "a distressing feeling" in overly casual contexts; simpler terms like "upset" or "worried" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a distressing feeling" functions as a noun phrase where "distressing" modifies "feeling". It specifies the quality of the feeling, indicating that it causes discomfort or anxiety. Ludwig examples show it used to describe emotional responses to events or situations, consistent with Ludwig AI's assessment.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a distressing feeling" is a grammatically correct and versatile phrase used to describe emotional discomfort or anxiety. As Ludwig AI points out, it's suitable for accurately conveying nuanced emotional states in both formal and informal contexts. While common in news and scientific writing, it's crucial to avoid overuse in casual conversation, as simpler terms might be more appropriate. Related phrases, such as "a troubling feeling" or "a painful feeling", offer subtle variations in meaning. Understanding these nuances ensures precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a troubling feeling

This alternative suggests something is causing worry or unease, softening the intensity of the distress.

a painful feeling

This alternative focuses on the emotional hurt or suffering experienced.

an upsetting feeling

This suggests something has disturbed or unsettled the person.

a disturbing feeling

This alternative emphasizes the feeling's disruptive or intrusive nature.

a worrisome feeling

This highlights the anxiety or concern associated with the feeling.

a heavy feeling

This alternative emphasizes the burdensome nature of the feeling.

an agonizing feeling

This intensifies the level of suffering and torment experienced.

a crushing feeling

This suggests the feeling is overwhelming and debilitating.

a soul-crushing feeling

This dramatically emphasizes the feeling's devastating impact on one's spirit.

an oppressive feeling

This highlights the feeling's restrictive and burdensome qualities.

FAQs

How can I use "a distressing feeling" in a sentence?

You can use "a distressing feeling" to describe a state of emotional discomfort or anxiety. For example, "She was overcome by "a distressing feeling" after hearing the news."

What are some synonyms for "a distressing feeling"?

Alternatives include "a troubling feeling", "a painful feeling", or "an upsetting feeling", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a distressing feeling" in formal writing?

Yes, "a distressing feeling" is appropriate for formal writing when you need to precisely describe an emotional state that involves discomfort and anxiety.

When is it better to use "distress" instead of "a distressing feeling"?

Use "distress" as a noun to refer to the general state of suffering, while "a distressing feeling" describes a specific instance or sensation. For instance, "She felt great distress" versus "She experienced "a distressing feeling" of unease."