deeply upsetting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "deeply upsetting" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that causes significant emotional distress or discomfort. Example: "The news of the tragedy was deeply upsetting to everyone in the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Deeply upsetting.

Independent

He left the ministry, deeply upsetting his extended family.

The New York Times - Magazine

To have the medicine taken in this way is deeply upsetting.

The Guardian

He found the constant booing and taunts of "Sassenach bastard" and "Baker, you traitor" deeply upsetting.

The Guardian - Sport

You could say that I am an accidental witness to their stories which are deeply upsetting.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mark Scherzer, a lawyer who lives half a block from the park, said he found the clearing deeply upsetting.

The New York Times

While most of the T-shirts are fairly mundane, some of the other items for sale are deeply upsetting.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

On Wednesday afternoon, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg posted a statement on his own Facebook page calling Andreessen's comments "deeply upsetting".

The Guardian - Tech

She said the legal process was now at risk of being "politically hijacked", adding: "It is deeply upsetting.

The Guardian

It was, my mother assured me, "all jolly hard work," and none of it more so than the abortion, medically routine but, to Lucy's surprise, deeply upsetting.

The New Yorker

I always read every study I can find on the impact of divorce in children, and they are all deeply upsetting.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "deeply upsetting" to convey a strong emotional reaction to a situation or event, ensuring the context warrants such a significant level of distress. It's suitable when the emotional impact is genuinely profound.

Common error

Avoid using "deeply upsetting" for minor inconveniences or trivial matters. This can dilute the impact of the phrase and make your writing sound hyperbolic or insincere. Reserve it for situations that genuinely cause significant emotional distress.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "deeply upsetting" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe the intensity of emotional distress caused by something. Ludwig provides many examples in News & Media illustrating this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "deeply upsetting" is a common and grammatically correct way to express significant emotional distress. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts, predominantly in News & Media. When writing, it's important to reserve this phrase for situations that warrant a strong emotional reaction to avoid sounding hyperbolic. Alternatives such as "profoundly disturbing" or "extremely distressing" can be used depending on the desired nuance. Overall, this phrase effectively conveys a high degree of sadness or disappointment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

profoundly disturbing

Emphasizes the unsettling and psychologically impactful nature of something.

extremely distressing

Highlights the severe emotional suffering caused by something.

intensely troubling

Focuses on the anxiety and worry induced by a situation.

severely disheartening

Stresses the loss of hope and morale due to something.

acutely painful

Highlights the sharp, intense emotional suffering experienced.

genuinely heartbreaking

Emphasizes the deep sorrow and emotional pain caused.

quite demoralizing

Focuses on the negative impact on one's spirit and confidence.

very regrettable

Focuses on the feeling of sorrow or disappointment about an event.

highly regrettable

Highlights the feeling of sorrow or disappointment about an event.

thoroughly depressing

Focuses on the prolonged state of sadness induced by something.

FAQs

How can I use "deeply upsetting" in a sentence?

You can use "deeply upsetting" to describe situations or news that cause significant emotional distress. For example: "The news of the job losses was "deeply upsetting" to the community."

What are some alternatives to "deeply upsetting"?

Alternatives include "profoundly disturbing", "extremely distressing", or "intensely troubling", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "deeply upsetting" too strong of a phrase to use in professional writing?

While "deeply upsetting" is strong, it can be appropriate in professional writing when conveying the seriousness of a situation. Consider your audience and the context, and opt for a milder phrase like "very regrettable" if a less intense tone is needed.

What is the difference between "deeply upsetting" and "slightly disappointing"?

"Deeply upsetting" implies a significant emotional impact and distress, whereas "slightly disappointing" suggests a mild feeling of dissatisfaction. The former is used for serious matters, while the latter is for minor setbacks.