distressing outcome

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "distressing outcome" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a result or consequence that causes worry, sadness, or discomfort. Example: "The study revealed a distressing outcome that highlighted the urgent need for intervention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"This is a distressing outcome for Mr Greste, his family and supporters".

The Guardian

The recriminations came as EU national leaders arrived in Brussels for a post-election summit to ponder what most see as a distressing outcome.

The Guardian

To avoid such a distressing outcome, parents have long been told there's only one thing to do: treat their children exactly equally.

The New York Times - Magazine

Regardless of the distressing outcome of the Segway, I have to give a tip of the hat to Kamen; he invented a great product with the best of intentions for the environment, government/business and society at large... a real triple-play.

Huffington Post

Clearly, the most distressing outcome for the patients is where attempts to have children have failed.

British Journal of Cancer

On the other hand, periodontitis has a major impact on quality of life, 18 and the early loss of teeth can be a very distressing outcome for any patient.

BMJ Open

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Still, a return to blatantly politicized news from front to back, and an upending of the cultural expectation of and support for neutral reporting, would represent one of the most distressing outcomes of the decline of the newspaper business.

The New Yorker

The ineffectiveness of the current available laws or edicts on TOP is readily evident from the distressing outcomes endured by the Muslim populations of the world due to foetal anomalies [ 2- 29], including even those residing in developed nations [ 2, 4, 5, 10, 16, 20, 21, 23- 29].

BMC Medical Ethics

Many of these pregnancies contribute to distressing adverse outcomes for women, children, and their families.

Plosone

Our group has been addressing hyperprolactinemia for over a decade and are currently running an adjunct treatment trial to improve outcomes in women with this distressing side effect.

BMC Psychiatry

Furthermore, self-efficacy can affect the extent to which individuals experience distressing emotions and experience desirable outcomes [ 11, 24].

BMC Nephrology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "distressing outcome", ensure the context clearly establishes what caused the distress. Provide specific details about the outcome and its impact to enhance clarity and emotional resonance.

Common error

Avoid using "distressing outcome" for mildly negative results. Reserve it for situations that genuinely cause significant emotional or psychological upset. Using it inappropriately can diminish its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "distressing outcome" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "distressing" modifies the noun "outcome". It describes a result that causes emotional distress or suffering. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "distressing outcome" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a result that causes emotional distress. As Ludwig AI has confirmed, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It finds its primary usage in News & Media and Science contexts. While not extremely common, it is appropriate for formal and neutral communication. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines what constitutes the distress and avoid using it for mildly negative results. Consider alternatives such as "unfortunate consequence" or "unhappy result" depending on the specific nuance required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unfortunate consequence

Focuses on the negative result as an unavoidable effect of a previous action or situation.

unhappy result

Emphasizes the sadness or dissatisfaction associated with the outcome.

disappointing conclusion

Highlights the failure to meet expectations or hopes.

troubling development

Emphasizes that the outcome causes worry or concern.

painful consequence

Focuses on the emotional distress or suffering caused by the outcome.

regrettable consequence

Highlights that the outcome is undesirable and gives rise to regret.

negative development

Focuses on the worsening of a situation or the introduction of unfavorable elements.

adverse effect

Specifically relates to a harmful or undesirable impact, often in a medical or scientific context.

worrisome consequence

Highlights the anxiety or unease generated by the result.

unsettling result

Emphasizes the disturbance or discomfort created by the finding.

FAQs

What does "distressing outcome" mean?

A "distressing outcome" refers to a result or consequence that causes significant worry, sadness, or emotional discomfort.

What are some alternatives to "distressing outcome"?

You can use alternatives such as "unfortunate consequence", "unhappy result", or "disappointing conclusion" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How do I use "distressing outcome" in a sentence?

You can use "distressing outcome" to describe the result of a situation or event. For example: "The study revealed a distressing outcome that highlighted the urgent need for intervention."

Is "distressing outcome" formal or informal?

"Distressing outcome" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it is often seen in news and scientific writing.