distress

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "distress" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are talking about a feeling of extreme anxiety or unhappiness or a state of a difficult or desperate situation. For example: The distressed family had nowhere to go after their house was destroyed in the fire.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

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" to describe situations involving danger or hardship, emphasizing the severity of the circumstances.

Common error

Avoid using "distress" in contexts where the situation involves only mild discomfort or inconvenience. "Distress" implies a substantial level of suffering or danger, so opt for words like "inconvenience" or "discomfort" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The word "distress" primarily functions as both a noun, referring to a state of suffering or danger, and a verb, meaning to cause suffering. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, highlighting its dual role in expressing hardship and causing unease.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "distress" is a versatile term that serves as both a noun and a verb, effectively communicating significant suffering, danger, or anxiety. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, noting its prevalence in various contexts. While its use is widespread, it's essential to ensure the intensity of the word aligns with the situation, avoiding overuse in minor situations. The primary sources using the term are "News & Media", reflecting its importance in describing real-world events and emotional states. Understanding the nuances of "distress" ensures clear and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

suffering

Focuses on the experience of pain or discomfort.

anguish

Highlights severe mental or physical suffering.

agony

Emphasizes intense and prolonged pain.

hardship

Refers to difficult conditions or circumstances.

tribulation

Implies a cause of great trouble or suffering.

adversity

Indicates unfavorable circumstances or misfortune.

plight

Describes a dangerous, difficult, or otherwise unfortunate situation.

predicament

Highlights a difficult or unpleasant situation.

trouble

A general term indicating difficulty or problems.

unease

Suggests a feeling of anxiety or discomfort.

FAQs

How can I use "distress" in a sentence?

You can use "distress" to describe a state of extreme anxiety or suffering, as in "The victims of the disaster were in a state of severe distress". It can also refer to a difficult situation, such as "The ship sent out a "distress signal"".

What are some alternatives to the word "distress"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "suffering", "anguish", "agony", or "hardship" to convey similar meanings.

When is it appropriate to use "distress" as opposed to "stress"?

"Distress" is used when the suffering is more severe and prolonged compared to "stress". "Stress" often refers to a general state of being overwhelmed, while "distress" indicates a more intense form of suffering or danger.

Can "distress" be used as a verb?

Yes, "distress" can be used as a verb meaning to cause someone anxiety, sorrow, or pain. For example, "The news of the accident distressed her greatly".