emotional distress

USAGE SUMMARY

'emotional distress' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to talk about a state of extreme distress or anxiety as the result of an event or experience. For example, "The loss of her daughter caused her immense emotional distress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Previous research suggests that intense emotional distress impairs emotion perception.

Duke University

Emotional distress.

The Washington Post

Looming student loans = Emotional distress!

Columbia University

This denoted severe emotional distress.

The New Yorker

The physical and emotional distress.

The New York Times

They said they had suffered emotional distress.

The New York Times

"That's the extent of his emotional distress.

The Guardian

Emotional distress is common in exceptional achievers.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In her case, it was emotional distress.

The Guardian

Negligent infliction of emotional distress is not actionable in Alabama.

Cornell University

This category of emotional distress includes certain types of fears.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing legal matters, ensure that you accurately distinguish between "negligent infliction of emotional distress" and "intentional infliction of emotional distress".

Common error

Understand that "emotional distress" implies a significant degree of suffering beyond typical sadness or disappointment. It often involves symptoms like anxiety, depression, or difficulty functioning in daily life.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "emotional distress" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It refers to a state of emotional suffering, pain, or anguish. Ludwig examples show it being used to describe a condition, a legal claim, or a consequence of events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

24%

Science

24%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "emotional distress" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a state of significant emotional suffering. As Ludwig's examples show, it appears frequently in diverse contexts, including news reports, academic papers, and scientific studies. The phrase is considered neutral in register, making it appropriate for both formal and informal communication. Ludwig AI indicates that "emotional distress" is a correct and usable phrase, further validating its reliability. When using this phrase, be mindful of its legal implications and ensure that you accurately convey the severity of the emotional suffering being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

emotional suffering

A direct synonym, highlighting the experience of pain and hardship in the emotional realm.

emotional pain

A direct and simple alternative, focusing on the painful aspect of the emotion.

anguish

A shorter, more intense way to refer to emotional suffering.

personal anguish

Highlights the personal and intimate nature of the distress, implying a significant emotional burden.

mental anguish

Focuses more on the mental aspect of distress, implying deep suffering.

psychological suffering

Emphasizes the psychological impact, suggesting a clinical or internal experience.

mental pain

Uses the metaphor of physical pain to describe intense mental discomfort.

inner turmoil

Suggests a state of internal conflict and disturbance, implying deep emotional unrest.

existential angst

Connects the distress to fundamental questions about existence and meaning.

spiritual pain

Links the distress to a loss of faith or sense of purpose.

FAQs

How is "emotional distress" defined in legal terms?

In legal contexts, "emotional distress" typically refers to a state of mental suffering caused by the negligence or intentional actions of another party. It may be claimed as damages in lawsuits.

What are some synonyms for "emotional distress"?

Alternatives include "mental anguish", "psychological suffering", or "emotional suffering", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How does "emotional distress" differ from everyday stress?

"Emotional distress" is generally more severe and prolonged than everyday stress. It can significantly impair a person's ability to function and may require professional help.

Can "emotional distress" be a symptom of a mental health condition?

Yes, "emotional distress" is a common symptom of various mental health conditions, such as anxiety disorders, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).