distressed

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'distressed' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe a feeling of anxiety, worry, or sadness. For example: "The mother felt distressed when she heard that her son was in the hospital."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I can't put into words how distressed I feel about this.

The Guardian

Nick Hopkinson of Property Portfolio Rescue, which buys houses from distressed buy-to-let borrowers, describes the Nationwide's reported increase as a "statistical blip" which would "not fool anybody who is struggling to sell their home or obtain realistic mortgage finance in the real world".

The Guardian - Business

"The club has to do something about it," said Newcastle United's head coach as he stood, clearly distressed and almost shaking with emotion, in a corridor deep inside St James Parkk.

The Guardian - Sport

The arrangement is living testimony of the community's attempt to absorb distressed neighbours.

The Guardian

If he loves you, then he will be very distressed by witnessing the pain you're in because of your bulimia and depression.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Might this mean that distressed people are increasingly left with no choice but to self-present in emergency departments?

The Guardian

You would use his disability against him – and you wouldn't care how embarrassed, hurt or distressed he was.

The Guardian - Opinion

Concern is mounting over the welfare of top sprinter Jimmy Thoronka, who is thought to be distressed following his arrest on Friday night and is in an emaciated state after spending the winter living rough in London.

The Guardian

A companion piece of sorts comes in the form of the Kickstarter-funded Salad Days (dir Scott Crawford), a documentary about Cobain's beloved DC hardcore punk scene (fellow Nirvana man Dave Grohl's formative band, Scream, are included), the ethos of which the distressed Cobain believed he had betrayed.

The Guardian - Film

My guess is that the book-buying upper-middle class of America today is greatly distressed when it looks at the world around it, specifically at two things.

The Guardian - Money

Fourteen years later, it is still being pursued through the courts by so-called vulture funds, which buy distressed countries' debts on the cheap and use every legal device they can to reclaim the money.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing emotional states, choose "distressed" to convey a sense of significant anxiety or suffering. It's stronger than "worried" but less extreme than "devastated".

Common error

Avoid using "distressed" in casual conversation. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or dramatic in everyday situations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "upset" or "concerned" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The word "distressed" functions primarily as an adjective, describing a state of emotional suffering, anxiety, or material damage. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, providing examples where it modifies nouns to indicate a condition of hardship or unease.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "distressed" is frequently employed as an adjective to portray states of emotional suffering, financial hardship, or physical damage. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage across various contexts. Predominantly found in news and business-related sources, its formality is generally neutral. To ensure effective communication, consider the emotional intensity you want to express and choose synonyms like "anxious" or "worried" for milder sentiments, or "troubled" for emphasis on difficulties. Steer clear of overusing "distressed" in casual scenarios to maintain a natural and appropriate tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

worried

Similar to anxious, but slightly milder in intensity and more commonly used in everyday conversation.

anxious

Focuses on the feeling of unease and worry, removing the implication of physical damage or financial hardship.

troubled

Emphasizes the presence of problems or difficulties causing distress.

uneasy

Highlights a lack of comfort or peace of mind, often due to uncertainty or apprehension.

afflicted

Suggests a state of suffering or hardship, often due to external forces.

in hardship

Shifts the focus to the difficult circumstances causing distress, particularly financial or material challenges.

under pressure

Highlights the stress and strain causing distress, often related to deadlines or expectations.

in dire straits

Emphasizes the severity of the difficult situation, suggesting a state of crisis.

damaged

Focuses specifically on physical or structural harm, often used to describe objects or property.

deteriorated

Indicates a decline in condition or quality, suggesting a gradual process of damage or decay.

FAQs

How can I use "distressed" in a sentence?

The word "distressed" can be used to describe someone experiencing significant emotional pain or anxiety, or to describe an object that appears aged or damaged. For example, "She was deeply distressed by the news" or "The furniture had a beautifully distressed finish."

What are some synonyms for "distressed" when describing a person's emotional state?

When describing a person's emotional state, you can use synonyms for "distressed" such as "anxious", "worried", or "upset", depending on the intensity of the emotion you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "distressed" to describe a financial situation?

Yes, "distressed" can describe a financial situation, referring to companies or assets experiencing significant financial hardship. For instance, one might speak of "distressed assets" or "distressed companies".

What is the difference between "distressed" and "depressed"?

"Distressed" implies a state of worry or anxiety caused by a specific event or situation, whereas "depressed" suggests a more prolonged and pervasive state of low mood and loss of interest, often indicative of a mental health condition.