deep distress

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "deep distress" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a feeling or emotion that is very strong, intense, and difficult to cope with. For example, "The loss of her mother caused her deep distress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They were a family in deep distress.

The New York Times

Once Lehman Brothers went under, it became clear that Merrill, too, was in deep distress.

The New Yorker

It's scandalous and it is causing deep distress to thousands of people.

The Guardian

But "The Passion" has been, for me, a cause of deep distress.

The New York Times - Arts

"Homes have been destroyed, families are distraught, and the community is in deep distress.

The Guardian

When he took over ABB, the company was in deep distress.

Harvard Business Review

The Nice guidelines still advocate methods that can only cause deep distress.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

His hand was cold and in his eyes was deep distress.

The New Yorker

Instead Mr. Robbins brings his brand of muscular positive thinking to people in deep distress.

The New York Times - Arts

"A deep distress hath humanized my Soul," he lamented in his "Elegiac Stanzas" on Peele Castle.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There was much defiant talk of keeping the struggle going, but also deep distress.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "deep distress" to convey a significant level of emotional or psychological suffering. Ensure the context supports the intensity of the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "deep distress" when describing minor inconveniences or slight sadness; reserve it for situations involving genuine and profound suffering.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "deep distress" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "deep" modifies the noun "distress", intensifying the degree of suffering or anguish experienced. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "deep distress" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a state of intense emotional suffering, as validated by Ludwig AI. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, as well as in formal and business communications. While versatile, it should be reserved for situations where the level of suffering is genuinely significant. Consider alternatives like "profound sorrow" or "intense anguish" to subtly adjust the nuance. Remember that while acceptable across registers, it is not appropriate to use in informal contexts or for minor inconveniences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deep sorrow

A more direct synonym, simply reducing the intensity slightly.

profound sorrow

Focuses on the sadness aspect of distress, emphasizing the depth of the sorrow felt.

intense anguish

Highlights the severity and acuteness of the suffering.

severe suffering

Emphasizes the painful experience and endurance of hardship.

acute pain

Focuses on the sharpness and intensity of the emotional hurt.

great affliction

Suggests a state of prolonged suffering or hardship.

extreme agony

Highlights the unbearable nature of the emotional or mental pain.

overwhelming despair

Focuses on the loss of hope and the feeling of being overcome by sadness.

crushing grief

Emphasizes the weight and impact of loss or sorrow.

intense tribulation

Highlights a period of testing or suffering, often with a religious connotation.

FAQs

How can I use "deep distress" in a sentence?

You can use "deep distress" to describe someone experiencing significant emotional pain. For example, "The news of the accident caused her "deep distress"".

What are some alternatives to "deep distress"?

Alternatives include "profound sorrow", "intense anguish", or "severe suffering", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "deep distress" a formal or informal phrase?

"Deep distress" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it is often found in news articles and literature describing serious situations.

What's the difference between "deep distress" and "slight discomfort"?

"Deep distress" describes a state of intense emotional or psychological pain, while "slight discomfort" refers to a minor feeling of unease or physical discomfort. They are at opposite ends of the spectrum of unpleasant experiences.