alarming

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "alarming" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation that has caused concern or fear because of its seriousness or urgency. For example, "The rise in CO2 emissions is an alarming sign of the climate crisis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The downside came in the form of the near-collapse at the start of the second half when Sweden scored twice in quick succession and it was alarming to see the ease with which they got through from two set pieces.

The Guardian - Sport

He said: "It reads as a nightmare catalogue of serious safety breaches aboard and alongside these nuclear-armed submarines... Shortages of all types of crew on these submarines has been well-documented and the description of personnel in extremely stressful situations must be alarming given the huge responsibility some of these sailors are given.

The Guardian

While I would like to see a woman as president, the idea that this power-crazed pair should inhabit the White House again is somewhat alarming.

The Guardian - Opinion

Boris Johnson, the mayor of London, warned of the "deeply alarming" prospect of the SNP "monkey" crawling on Labour's back.

The Guardian

This blinkered view is alarming.

The Guardian - Opinion

"This is alarming".

The New York Times

"It's brand new, that's alarming.

The Guardian

But the chances are that, sometime between June and August, he will face impeachment by the MPR.Mr Wahid's tactics in trying to avoid this outcome have been alarming.

The Economist

The worst possible score is 100, but in practice, anything over 25 is considered "alarming".

The Economist

SIR - Your Briefing on Super Tuesday, states that "some voters will find the prospect of President McCain faintly alarming" because he is said to offer "a more militaristic foreign policy than any US president in a century".Not only voters but also many people throughout the world would find it considerably more than "faintly" alarming.

The Economist

But the chances are that, sometime between June and August, he will face impeachment by the MPR.Related items Indonesia: President or princess Apr 26th 2001 Indonesia and the IMF: Twisting in the windApr 19th 2001Mr Wahid's tactics in trying to avoid this outcome have been alarming.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "alarming", specify what is causing the alarm. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid pairing "alarming" with weak verbs like 'is' or 'seems'. Instead, use stronger verbs that convey the impact of the alarming situation, such as 'reveals', 'indicates', or 'demonstrates'.

Linguistic Context

The word "alarming" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something that causes worry, fear, or concern. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct. For example, "The deeply alarming prospect of the SNP 'monkey' crawling on Labour's back."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "alarming" is a versatile adjective used to describe something that causes concern or fear. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. When using the word "alarming", be specific about the cause of the alarm to enhance clarity. While similar words like "disturbing" or "worrying" can be used as alternatives, "alarming" often conveys a greater sense of urgency. Avoid using weak verbs with "alarming"; opt for stronger verbs to emphasize the impact of the situation. With its frequent use and clear purpose, "alarming" is a valuable word for effectively communicating concern.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disturbing

This alternative emphasizes a sense of unease or disruption caused by something.

worrying

Focuses on the anxiety or concern that something causes.

frightening

Highlights the fear or terror induced by something.

appalling

Implies something is shockingly bad or unpleasant.

shocking

Indicates surprise and often disapproval or dismay.

dire

Suggests a very serious or desperate situation.

ominous

Implies that something bad is going to happen.

portentous

Suggests something is a sign or warning of future events, often negative.

grave

Highlights the seriousness or importance of a situation.

critical

Emphasizes the importance of something to the success or failure of something else.

FAQs

How can I use "alarming" in a sentence?

You can use "alarming" to describe something that causes concern or fear. For example, "The increasing rate of deforestation is an alarming trend".

What are some alternatives to saying "alarming"?

You can use alternatives like "disturbing", "worrying", or "frightening" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "alarming situation"?

Yes, "alarming situation" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe a situation that is causing concern or fear.

What's the difference between "alarming" and "concerning"?

"Alarming" suggests a higher degree of worry or fear than "concerning". While both indicate something is not right, "alarming" implies a more immediate or serious threat.