distressing reaction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "distressing reaction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a response or feeling that is troubling or upsetting, often in the context of emotional or psychological responses to a situation. Example: "The news of the accident elicited a distressing reaction from the community, prompting many to seek support."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The younger your baby is, the more likely the formula will cause a distressing reaction.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Amongst symptoms recognized were intrusive thoughts, distressing dreams, flashbacks, reactions to triggers of traumatic memories, avoiding thoughts, physiological reactions to cues, startle response, hypervigilance, insomnia, and irritability.

BMC Psychiatry

Further, by developing relational means of regulating distressing emotions and reactions and an ongoing means of checking in with each other for course adjustments, parents can learn to help each other navigate the shifting terrain of childrearing during a time of war (Gewirtz et al. 2008).

Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review

Somehow, this reaction is distressing to Bobby.

The New Yorker

In addition, in a manner analogous to that in which physical pain has evolved to hinder actions that may cause further injury, "psychic misery" may have evolved to prevent hasty and maladaptive reactions to distressing situations.

Wikipedia

This implicates that distressing and painful grief reactions might decrease as time goes by.

BMC Psychiatry

Thus, grief is a normal reaction to a distressing situation, such as a loss (7).

Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica

It is characterized by intrusive and distressing memories or dreams, dissociative reactions, and substantial psychological or physiological distress related to the event (Table 28) [ 26].

BMC Psychiatry

Parents face the awesome task of dealing with their own reactions and feelings without distressing their child any further [ 49].

BMC Psychiatry

While Allied's scorched-earth response to criticism is creepy, the regulatory reaction to Mr. Einhorn is distressing.

The New York Times

In relation to the ICD-10 three-factor model, distressing dreams, recurring thoughts, flashbacks, and physiological reactions to cues exhibited strong loadings associated with their designated domains (intrusion, avoidance, hyperarousal) with an overall coefficient > 0.90.

BMC Psychiatry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context when using the phrase "distressing reaction". In more formal settings, alternatives like "adverse response" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid simply labeling a reaction as "distressing" without explaining why. Provide details about the specific elements of the reaction that caused distress to enhance clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "distressing reaction" functions as a noun phrase where "distressing" modifies the noun "reaction". It is used to describe a response that causes emotional upset or concern, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "distressing reaction" describes a response that causes emotional upset or concern. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and notes its use across various contexts. While relatively rare, it effectively conveys a sense of unease or worry. When using the phrase, ensure you provide context about what makes the reaction distressing. Alternative phrases, such as "upsetting response" or "troubling response", can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. The most common use cases are within the fields of News & Media, Science and Wiki.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

upsetting response

Replaces 'distressing' with 'upsetting', focusing on the emotional impact of the response.

troubling response

Substitutes 'distressing' with 'troubling', highlighting the problematic nature of the response.

alarming reaction

Replaces 'distressing' with 'alarming', emphasizing the reaction's capacity to cause fear or anxiety.

painful reaction

Substitutes 'distressing' with 'painful', stressing the emotional discomfort caused by the reaction.

unsettling response

Replaces 'distressing' with 'unsettling', denoting a reaction that disrupts peace of mind.

disturbing reaction

Substitutes 'distressing' with 'disturbing', indicating that the response is concerning or unsettling.

unpleasant reaction

Replaces 'distressing' with 'unpleasant', softening the tone to simply indicate an undesirable response.

adverse response

Substitutes 'distressing' with 'adverse', giving a more formal and clinical feel to the phrase.

negative reaction

Replaces 'distressing' with 'negative', a more general term for an undesirable response.

worrisome response

Replaces 'distressing' with 'worrisome', focusing on the anxiety the response causes.

FAQs

How to use "distressing reaction" in a sentence?

You can use "distressing reaction" to describe a response that causes emotional upset or concern. For example, "The news of the layoffs caused a distressing reaction among the employees".

What can I say instead of "distressing reaction"?

You can use alternatives like "upsetting response", "troubling response", or "alarming reaction" depending on the specific context.

Is "distressing reaction" a formal or informal phrase?

"Distressing reaction" can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in more formal settings, consider using alternatives like "adverse response" for a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "distressing reaction" and "negative reaction"?

"Distressing reaction" implies a response that causes emotional upset, while "negative reaction" is a broader term that simply indicates an undesirable response without necessarily implying emotional distress. The best choice depends on the nuance you wish to convey.