worrying characteristic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "worrying characteristic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a trait or feature that causes concern or anxiety. Example: "The increasing number of cyber attacks is a worrying characteristic of our current digital landscape."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

In a footnote, Mr. Saez also directs readers to a 2007 paper he co-wrote that reveals another worrying characteristic of the 1 percent.

The New York Times

Bamboo capitalism lives in a laissez-faire bubble.But this points to a third, more worrying, characteristic of such businesses: their vulnerability.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Recent models of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) have expanded on Borkovec's avoidance theory by delineating emotion regulation deficits associated with the excessive worry characteristic of this disorder (see Behar, DiMarco, Hekler, Mohlman, & Staples, 2009).

Behaviour Research and Therapy

His doormat characteristics was initially "worrying" according to Manga Life's Kevin Hill who said he became "far more likeable" once he meets up Hiruma and Kurita.

Wikipedia

When MDD and GAD were compared (Table  3), hopelessness/suicidality and rumination determined MDD, whereas physical concerns and pathological worry were characteristic for GAD.

BMC Psychiatry

Specifically, the items assessing feelings of nervousness and worry are characteristic of anxiety, the items assessing feelings of fatigue and insomnia are characteristic of somatic symptoms of both depression and anxiety, and the items assessing feelings of sadness and hopelessness are characteristics of depression [ 15].

BMC Psychiatry

Yet besides energizing the left wing of his party, Dr. Dean has some Republicans worried that the characteristics he shares with President Bush could appeal to swing voters, especially when Dr. Dean's current image as a Vermont liberal is leavened with details of the fiscally conservative way he governed Vermont for 11 years.

The New York Times

Death in fishing gear of non-target species (called 'bycatch') is a major concern for marine wildlife, and mostly worrying for long-lived species like cetaceans, considering their demographic characteristics (slow population growth rates and low fecundity).

Environmental Science & Policy

Psychological characteristics such as sadness, loneliness, insomnia due to worrying, and suicidal ideation were associated with substance use.

BMC Pediatrics

The Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ) [ 51] is originally a 16-item inventory designed to assess pathological worry and to capture the generality, excessiveness and uncontrollability characteristics of pathological worry (for example: 'Once I start worrying, I cannot stop').

BMC Psychiatry

In addition, they worry that this negative characteristic will surface in other relationships and damage their romantic prospects in the future".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "worrying characteristic", ensure the context clearly explains why the characteristic is concerning. Provide specific details or examples to support your claim.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "worrying characteristic" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "something to worry about" or "a bad sign" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "worrying characteristic" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. The adjective "worrying" describes the type of characteristic, indicating it causes concern. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in various contexts, from economic trends to personal traits.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "worrying characteristic" is grammatically correct and usable in English, though it appears with relative infrequency. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is employed to denote traits or features that cause concern, primarily within news, media, and scientific contexts. While acceptable, consider more casual alternatives like "something to worry about" in informal settings to maintain a natural tone. When using this phrase, clarity and context are essential to fully convey the cause of concern to your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

concerning trait

Replaces "worrying" with "concerning", emphasizing the concern the trait causes.

concerning attribute

Combines "concerning" with "attribute", maintaining a formal tone and focusing on the concern.

alarming feature

Substitutes "worrying" with "alarming", highlighting the potential danger of the feature.

problematic feature

Highlights the problematic nature of the feature, suggesting potential issues or negative consequences.

troubling aspect

Uses "troubling" instead of "worrying" and "aspect" instead of "characteristic", focusing on the problematic nature.

disturbing attribute

Replaces "worrying" with "disturbing" and "characteristic" with "attribute", emphasizing the unsettling nature of the trait.

unsettling element

Emphasizes the unsettling feeling caused by the specific element or characteristic.

disquieting quality

Substitutes "worrying" with "disquieting" and "characteristic" with "quality", highlighting the anxiety-inducing nature of the trait.

ominous sign

Implies that the characteristic is a predictor of future negative events or outcomes.

ill omen

Focuses on the characteristic as a portent of bad luck or misfortune.

FAQs

What does "worrying characteristic" mean?

A "worrying characteristic" is a trait or feature that causes concern or anxiety. It suggests a potential problem or negative outcome associated with the subject being described.

How can I use "worrying characteristic" in a sentence?

You can use "worrying characteristic" to describe any feature that causes concern. For example: "The high unemployment rate is a "worrying characteristic" of the current economic climate."

What are some alternatives to "worrying characteristic"?

Alternatives to "worrying characteristic" include "concerning trait", "alarming feature", or "troubling aspect", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "worrying characteristic" formal or informal?

"Worrying characteristic" leans towards a more formal register. In informal contexts, simpler phrases like "something to worry about" or "a bad sign" may be more appropriate.