profoundly disturbing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "profoundly disturbing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that causes a deep sense of unease or discomfort. Example: "The documentary presented a profoundly disturbing portrayal of the effects of war on children."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I find them profoundly disturbing.

The New Yorker

The video is profoundly disturbing.

The Guardian - Opinion

This has profoundly disturbing implications.

The Guardian - Opinion

The experience was profoundly disturbing for Morrison.

The Guardian

Fogliani said the footage was "profoundly disturbing".

The Guardian

The murder now stood for a profoundly disturbing sociological trend.

The New Yorker

The findings I have set out today are profoundly disturbing".

Independent

ALBA: What, ciphers in a profoundly disturbing arthouse movie?

The Guardian - Film

"Now, there's a profoundly disturbing question," he said.

The New Yorker

Javier Cercas is a superficially humorous and profoundly disturbing author.

The Guardian - Books

The war is profoundly disturbing for many of us.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "profoundly disturbing" to describe situations, events, or content that evoke a deep sense of unease, moral outrage, or psychological distress. Ensure the context justifies the intensity of the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "profoundly disturbing" for trivial matters or minor inconveniences. This diminishes the impact of the phrase and may come across as hyperbolic or insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "profoundly disturbing" functions as an intensifier (adverb "profoundly") modifying an adjective ("disturbing"). It qualifies a noun or situation, indicating a high degree of unease or moral concern. Ludwig shows many examples from news and media outlets, which supports this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Encyclopedias

11%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "profoundly disturbing" is a powerful expression used to convey a deep sense of unease, moral outrage, or psychological distress. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used, especially in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the situation warrants such a strong description to avoid hyperbole. Alternatives like "deeply troubling" or "profoundly unsettling" may be appropriate in less severe contexts. Recognizing its register and communicative purpose allows for its effective deployment in writing. Always consider the situation to which you are using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

profoundly unsettling

This alternative emphasizes the unsettling nature of something, rather than its disturbing quality.

intensely disquieting

This alternative stresses the unsettling and anxiety-provoking nature of something.

deeply troubling

This alternative suggests something is causing significant worry or concern.

seriously concerning

This alternative emphasizes the gravity of concern regarding something.

very disturbing

This alternative is a more general and less intense way to express a similar feeling.

deeply concerning

This alternative emphasizes the worrying aspects of something.

disturbingly profound

This alternative reverses the order and suggests that the disturbing aspect has a deep or significant quality.

gravely worrisome

This alternative suggests a serious and weighty concern.

shockingly upsetting

This alternative highlights the surprise and emotional distress caused by something.

extremely alarming

This alternative suggests a higher level of fear and urgency.

FAQs

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

Use "profoundly disturbing" to describe something that causes deep unease or discomfort. For instance, "The documentary presented a profoundly disturbing portrayal of the effects of war on children."

What phrases are similar to "profoundly disturbing"?

You can use alternatives like "very disturbing", "deeply troubling", or "profoundly unsettling" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "profoundly disturbing" in formal writing?

Yes, "profoundly disturbing" is appropriate for formal writing when describing events or situations that genuinely cause deep unease or moral concern. Consider the audience and ensure the tone aligns with the overall message.

What makes something "profoundly disturbing" rather than just "disturbing"?

The addition of "profoundly" intensifies the disturbing nature, suggesting the issue is not just unsettling but also deeply significant and impactful. It implies the issue causes a deep sense of moral or emotional distress.