profoundly distressing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "profoundly distressing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that causes deep emotional pain or anxiety. Example: "The news of the disaster was profoundly distressing to the entire community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

He found the whole experience profoundly distressing.

The New Yorker

The news in Africa can only be described as profoundly distressing.

The New Yorker

But for a small minority they're persistent, powerful, and profoundly distressing.

The Guardian

The incident was profoundly distressing for everyone involved, both physically and mentally.

The Guardian - Business

The consequences of that chasm in my community are profoundly distressing.

The Guardian

She said it was "categorically untrue and profoundly distressing and utterly offensive on every level".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

The word describes a profoundly disturbing or distressing event, as well as its emotional and physical after effects.

Vice

"I find it deeply distressing.

BBC

It's extremely distressing".

Huffington Post

Those dark hours (the film takes place over two days and one night) are as vividly, devastatingly portrayed as anything I have experienced in the cinema; I struggle to remember the last time a non-documentary film proved so profoundly, soul-shakingly distressing.

The Guardian - Film

Head-and-neck cancer is a particularly distressing human cancer, because both disease and treatment profoundly interfere with everyday functioning such as eating, breathing, and speech, and may lead to severe disfigurement (Hanna and Sherman, 1999).

British Journal of Cancer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "profoundly distressing" when you want to emphasize a deep sense of emotional pain, sorrow, or anxiety caused by a particular event or situation. It's suitable for formal and serious contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "profoundly distressing" in casual or lighthearted conversations. Its intensity can sound overly dramatic or insincere in less serious settings. Opt for milder alternatives like "very upsetting" or "really troubling".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "profoundly distressing" functions as an intensifier (profoundly) modifying an adjective (distressing). According to Ludwig AI, this combination serves to emphasize the severity of the emotional or psychological upset caused by something. It is used to convey a strong negative emotional impact.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

3%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "profoundly distressing" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression to articulate a deep sense of emotional distress. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage across various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, it is also used in scientific and encyclopedic contexts. The phrase effectively conveys a significant negative emotional impact and is suitable for formal and serious communications. Alternatives include "deeply upsetting" or "extremely disturbing".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deeply upsetting

Replaces "distressing" with "upsetting", implying emotional disturbance but potentially less intense.

extremely disturbing

Substitutes "distressing" with "disturbing", focusing on the unsettling nature of the event or information.

intensely painful

Emphasizes the emotional pain associated with the distressing experience.

very upsetting

Uses "upsetting" instead of "distressing" with a lighter tone.

acutely disturbing

Synonymous; highlights a sharp, intense feeling of unease.

terribly upsetting

Strengthens the emotional impact with the adverb "terribly".

severely troubling

Focuses on the worrying and burdensome aspect of the situation.

exceptionally alarming

Shifts the focus to the fear and concern evoked by the situation.

grievously disheartening

Focuses on the loss of hope and encouragement.

thoroughly mortifying

Focuses on the feeling of shame and embarrassment.

FAQs

How can I use "profoundly distressing" in a sentence?

You can use "profoundly distressing" to describe events, news, or situations that cause significant emotional pain. For example, "The news of the accident was "profoundly distressing" to the family".

What are some alternatives to "profoundly distressing"?

Alternatives include "deeply upsetting", "extremely disturbing", or "intensely painful", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "profoundly distressing" formal or informal?

"Profoundly distressing" is generally considered a formal expression. In informal contexts, you might prefer phrases like "really upsetting" or "very troubling".

When is it appropriate to use "profoundly distressing"?

It's appropriate to use "profoundly distressing" when describing situations or events that evoke a deep and significant emotional response, particularly in serious or formal contexts. Avoid using it in casual conversation where a milder term would suffice.