distress
noun
great pain, anxiety, or sorrow; acute physical or mental suffering; affliction; trouble.
distressingly
-
a word derived from
distress.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The light levels are distressingly low—low enough to protect sensitive works on paper or a woven carpet but unnecessary for oil paintings.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 17, 2026
There are notable exceptions, although they are distressingly few.
From Salon ● Mar. 9, 2025
She took a distressingly long time to define a clear, overarching vision.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 4, 2024
Amicable encounters between members of divergent groups are distressingly rare.
From Seattle Times ● May 17, 2024
Even more distressingly, when she went to pick up Abe, who was playing with a wooden toy on the floor, someone snatched him away.
From "Son" by Lois Lowry
