troubling

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "troubling" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is causing you distress or worry. For example: "The increasing frequency of natural disasters is troubling."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For a democrat, this is all profoundly troubling.

The Guardian - Opinion

And the picture that is emerging is troubling.

The Guardian

For the man who "turned the internet on", this threat is troubling.

The Guardian

Troubling for Labour, tricky for some Tories and a potential disaster for many Lib Dems: there is something for every English MP to dislike in the draft constituency boundary changes.

The Guardian

Plus there may be other issues you have to pick up on that they don't mention, which may be more important than the symptoms troubling them.

The Guardian

But the fact that Al-Jazeera has reported in such depth the other side of this conflict is troubling to the authorities.

The Guardian

"The incident is deeply troubling and causes us great concern as it comes just after the recent deaths of Mexican nationals Antonio Zambrano Montes and Ruben García Villalpando," the Mexican foreign ministry said in a statement.

The Guardian

But Ryan did better on the Benghazi attack, saying Obama's delay in acknowledging it was a terrorist attack rather than a protest against a YouTube video is troubling.

The Guardian

"It is clearly troubling that these documents suggest the FBI interprets its national security mandate as protecting private industry from political criticism," he said.

The Guardian

But she says his previous statements on women's reproductive rights are troubling.

The Guardian

Among its many other cultural and economic assets, Google is accumulating a rather comprehensive record of what is troubling us, from asking the search engine to diagnose our disease symptoms to whether we will ever find true love.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "troubling", consider the intensity of the concern you wish to express. If the situation is deeply disturbing, a stronger word like "disturbing" or "alarming" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "troubling" as a generic term for anything negative. Replace it with more specific adjectives like "problematic", "difficult", or "concerning" to provide a clearer understanding of the issue.

Linguistic Context

The word "troubling" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something that causes concern, worry, or disturbance. Ludwig examples show it qualifying situations, facts, and incidents. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Opinion

15%

Lifestyle

10%

Less common in

Books

5%

Business

5%

Sport

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "troubling" is a versatile term for expressing concern or unease about a situation. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage in English. It is commonly used in News & Media as well as Opinion pieces. While "troubling" can effectively convey your worry, be mindful not to overuse it generically. Instead, consider more specific alternatives like "problematic" or "concerning" for greater precision. Using these guidelines, you can confidently use the term "troubling" and be better understood in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disturbing

Indicates a stronger sense of unease or shock.

worrying

Focuses on the anxiety or concern caused by something.

alarming

Highlights the potential danger or urgency of a situation.

disconcerting

Suggests a feeling of confusion or unease.

unsettling

Implies a disturbance of peace or stability.

concerning

Indicates a need for attention or consideration.

distressing

Emphasizes the emotional pain or suffering caused.

vexing

Describes something that causes irritation or annoyance.

disquieting

Creates a sense of anxiety or apprehension.

portentous

Suggests a sign of something significant or ominous to come.

FAQs

How can I use "troubling" in a sentence?

You can use "troubling" to describe something that causes worry or concern. For example, "The lack of progress on climate change is "troubling"."

What are some synonyms for "troubling"?

Alternatives to "troubling" include "worrying", "disturbing", and "concerning". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "troubling" a formal word?

"Troubling" can be used in both formal and informal contexts to describe something that causes concern. Its formality depends on the surrounding language and the specific situation.

What's the difference between "troubling" and "problematic"?

"Troubling" suggests a sense of unease or worry, while "problematic" indicates that something presents a problem or difficulty. "Troubling" focuses more on the emotional response, whereas "problematic" emphasizes the practical implications.