sense of distress

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sense of distress" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a feeling of anxiety, discomfort, or emotional pain experienced by an individual. Example: "After hearing the news, she was overwhelmed by a profound sense of distress that lingered throughout the day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Now, with the Democratic primary less than a month away, there is a palpable sense of distress among Mr. Hevesi's supporters.

The New York Times

When difficulties come – the unexpected snag, the good idea that goes wrong – we can add to our sense of distress by criticising and blaming ourselves.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Neurosis, plural neuroses, also called psychoneurosis or plural psychoneuroses, mental disorder that causes a sense of distress and deficit in functioning.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Although the disaster on the Plains bred a sense of distress and frustration, the lure of good land was still strong.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Whoever the person was, Master's failure to return Dickinson's affection together with Susan's absorption in her first childbirth and Bowles's growing invalidism contributed to a piercing and ultimate sense of distress.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The report is likely to intensify a sense of distress among the nearly four million American citizens who live on Puerto Rico, where violent crime has spilled into well-to-do areas.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Not all London designers were treating denim with such reverence, however: Sibling (who last summer presented high-waisted, 50s-style cinched jeans) have clearly been wielding implements over their "scarified" denims but the punctures were in deliberate oversized spots rather than having any randomised sense of "distressing".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Registrars often manage these patients in a conceptual void, without words to make sense of their distress and without tools to mitigate their suffering.

BMC Family Practice

"We want to go home by 5," he says, not quite pleading but trying to appeal to a sense of collective distress.

The New York Times

More than 100 N.B.A. employees were laid off this week, heightening the sense of economic distress as the league's owners and players haggle over a new labor agreement.

The New York Times - Sports

Recall, then, that the change in the red line from its 1999 level to its 2009 level (about $2 trillion in real GDP) generated a net change in employment of appoximately zero, and you get a sense of the distress in American labour markets.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sense of distress", consider the intensity of the feeling you want to convey. For a more impactful statement, pair it with strong verbs like "overwhelmed", "intensified", or "exacerbated".

Common error

While appropriate, consistently using "sense of distress" in clinical or formal writing can sound repetitive. Vary your phrasing with synonyms like "feeling of unease" or "state of anxiety" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sense of distress" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object or subject complement in a sentence. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it describes a subjective feeling or experience.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sense of distress" describes a feeling of anxiety, discomfort, or emotional pain. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts. While frequently found in news, media, and scientific articles, it maintains a neutral register. For increased impact, pair the phrase with strong verbs and consider synonyms like ""feeling of anguish"" or ""state of anxiety"" to avoid repetition. Understanding these nuances ensures precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feeling of anguish

Focuses more on the intensity of the emotional pain.

state of anxiety

Emphasizes the anxious aspect of the distress.

emotional suffering

Highlights the pain and hardship experienced.

emotional turmoil

Indicates a state of great confusion and agitation.

emotional hardship

Highlights the difficult and challenging nature of the emotional experience.

feeling of unease

Suggests a milder form of discomfort or worry.

state of perturbation

Emphasizes a feeling of disturbance or agitation.

feeling of apprehension

Focuses on the anticipatory anxiety about a future event.

feeling of disquiet

Suggests a lack of peace or tranquility.

emotional discomfort

A more general term for feeling emotionally unwell.

FAQs

What does "sense of distress" mean?

A "sense of distress" refers to a feeling of anxiety, discomfort, or emotional pain. It's a subjective experience of unease or suffering.

What can I say instead of "sense of distress"?

You can use alternatives like "feeling of anguish", "state of anxiety", or "feeling of unease" depending on the specific emotion you want to convey.

Is "sense of distress" a formal or informal expression?

"Sense of distress" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, consider your audience and the specific nuance you want to convey. More formal settings might benefit from precise clinical terms if appropriate.

How does "sense of distress" differ from "feeling of distress"?

While similar, "sense of distress" implies a more intuitive or perceived discomfort, whereas "feeling of distress" may suggest a more tangible emotional experience. The choice depends on the specific context.