distressing

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'distressing' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is an adjective used to describe a feeling of sadness, worry, or unease. For example: The distressing news of her mother's illness was hard to hear.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"This is unacceptable and distressing to those who lost friends and family.

The Guardian

A couple of days ago, I spoke to Nicola Heaney, the great-niece of Mortensen, who talked with restrained dignity about the past week and how distressing his widow, Jean, who died a couple of years ago, would have found it.

The Guardian - Sport

She forwarded distressing video purporting to show the aftermath of the blast showed a child a with a wound to her eye being carried at the scene.

The Guardian

This not only reduces distressing psychological symptoms but also helps students to function better at university.

The Guardian

The city council said the ban came after protesters attempted to storm the central library and occupy the premises on Tuesday, distressing children and families.

The Guardian

My brother has spent his birthday watching his father's distressing and unexpected death; my daughter cancels her party.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The criteria, he says, for judging whether a child needs professional support are whether the hallucinations are "frequent, complex, distressing and cause impairment".

The Guardian

Residents of this Dallas suburb are hurt and angry that outsiders have been allowed to come in and leave an indelible and distressing mark on their city.

The Guardian

Lawn only broke off from the buildup to the quarter-final when his wife's condition took a distressing turn for the worse.

The Guardian - Sport

This was confirmed weeks later, but there was a distressing time in between where I didn't understand the diagnosis or what it meant".

The Guardian

With the exception of that distressing moment, this was an insipid occasion.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "distressing", consider the specific emotion you want to convey. Choose synonyms that more accurately reflect the intensity and type of distress.

Common error

While "distressing" is a valid word, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "troubling", "upsetting", or "concerning" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "distressing" primarily functions to describe something that causes emotional or mental suffering, worry, or pain. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It modifies nouns, indicating the quality of causing distress. For instance, "distressing news" or "distressing images."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Sport

8%

Opinion

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "distressing" is a versatile adjective used to describe something causing emotional or mental unease, pain, or suffering. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely accepted. Its usage spans various contexts, with a higher prevalence in news and media, reflecting its role in conveying impactful or troubling information. While "distressing" is appropriate in many situations, it is crucial to consider the specific nuances of the situation and choose synonyms that precisely capture the intended emotion. Avoiding overuse and opting for alternatives such as "upsetting", "troubling" or "worrisome" ensures clarity and avoids monotony in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

upsetting

A general term for causing someone to feel unhappy, worried, or disappointed.

disturbing

Focuses on causing anxiety and unease.

troubling

Focuses more on causing worry or concern rather than emotional pain.

painful

A broad term indicating something that causes hurt, either physical or emotional.

unsettling

Suggests a feeling of unease or discomfort.

worrisome

Highlights the aspect of causing anxiety or concern.

alarming

Highlights the sense of danger or warning.

heartbreaking

Emphasizes the feeling of deep sorrow or grief.

agonizing

Suggests intense mental or physical suffering.

traumatic

Implies a deeply disturbing or distressing experience.

FAQs

How can I use "distressing" in a sentence?

"Distressing" is an adjective that describes something causing anxiety, sorrow, or pain. For example, "The news of the accident was deeply distressing."

What are some synonyms for "distressing"?

Alternatives to "distressing" include "upsetting", "troubling", "worrisome", and "disturbing". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "distressing" formal or informal?

"Distressing" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and tone than the word itself.

What makes something "distressing" rather than just sad?

While sadness is a general emotion, "distressing" implies a deeper level of upset or anxiety. A "distressing" event often causes significant emotional or mental discomfort, going beyond simple unhappiness.