disturbing experience

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "disturbing experience" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an event or situation that causes discomfort, anxiety, or distress to an individual. Example: "The documentary presented a disturbing experience that left many viewers questioning their beliefs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

But there was one more trigger: common and deeply disturbing experience of mass surveillance.

The Guardian - Opinion

That said, there is another digital twist to this bizarre and disturbing experience.

The Guardian

It proved a disturbing experience, as Winterreise always does in a fine performance.

The Guardian - Music

This was my most disturbing experience in Fuling, and I left it out of the first draft.

The New Yorker

In this disturbing experience of looking, the anguish of the people on the raft becomes vivid and immediate.

The Guardian - Arts

Even now, more than four centuries later, the unsettling that the play provokes remains a beautiful and disturbing experience.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

It's what makes her come-ons disturbing experiences for the men she comes on to.

The New York Times

Hunter plays a key role in this film about a young teen's disturbing experiences.

The Guardian - Film

For all his disturbing experiences, he is a thoughtful and unselfish boy.

The Guardian - Books

But she said her work convinced her that disturbing experiences in extreme sects were all too common.

The New York Times - Books

This system has as one of its main functions the transformation of disturbing experiences into mental adaptation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the impact of an event, use "disturbing experience" to convey a sense of unease or distress caused by it. Be mindful of the context and audience when using this phrase, as its intensity can vary.

Common error

Avoid repeatedly using "disturbing experience" in close proximity, as it can diminish its impact. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms like "unsettling encounter" or "troubling event" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "disturbing experience" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "disturbing" modifies the noun "experience". It describes an experience that causes unease, anxiety, or distress. Ludwig confirms that the expression is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "disturbing experience" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe an event or situation that causes unease or distress. According to Ludwig, its primary function is to convey the negative impact of an experience, fitting well within neutral registers like news and general discussions. When writing, while the phrase is widely acceptable, vary your phrasing to maintain reader engagement. Remember to choose even more specific alternatives in formal or scientific contexts, such as "adverse event".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unsettling experience

Focuses on the feeling of unease and mild anxiety rather than a severe disturbance.

traumatic event

Emphasizes the deeply distressing and potentially long-lasting impact of the experience.

harrowing ordeal

Highlights the extreme difficulty and suffering involved in the experience.

frightening incident

Centers on the element of fear and alarm caused by the experience.

distressing situation

Shifts the focus to the problematic nature of the circumstances rather than the subjective feeling.

unpleasant encounter

Downplays the severity, suggesting a disagreeable but not necessarily deeply impactful experience.

negative episode

Generalizes the experience as undesirable without specifying the nature of the disturbance.

difficult time

Refers to a period marked by challenges and hardship without pinpointing a specific disturbing element.

challenging situation

Highlights the demanding nature of circumstances without necessarily implying emotional distress.

adverse experience

Indicates an unfavorable or harmful encounter, often in a formal or scientific context.

FAQs

How can I use "disturbing experience" in a sentence?

You can use "disturbing experience" to describe an event or situation that causes discomfort, anxiety, or distress. For example: "Witnessing the accident was a "disturbing experience" for all of us."

What's the difference between "disturbing experience" and "traumatic experience"?

"Disturbing experience" implies a sense of unease or mild distress, while "traumatic experience" suggests a deeply distressing event with long-lasting psychological effects. The latter is more severe.

What can I say instead of "disturbing experience"?

You can use alternatives like "unsettling encounter", "troubling event", or "distressing situation" depending on the context.

Is "disturbing experience" a formal phrase?

"Disturbing experience" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, consider more precise alternatives like "adverse event" or "unsettling incident".