alarming

[uh-lahr-ming]

adjective

1. causing alarm or fear.

   an alarming case of pneumonia; an alarming lack of respect.

Other Word Forms

• alarmingly adverb
• unalarming adjective
• unalarmingly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of alarming¹

First recorded in 1670–80; alarm + -ing ²

Example Sentences

“These trends aren’t alarming yet, but they could weigh on earnings if they worsen.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Over the course of the past two games, there's been an alarming lack of influence from many of Clarke's go-to players.

Read more on BBC

“It was alarming, but I think our community needed to see that and realize that we need to start looking inward.”

Read more on Salon

“This means modest payroll gains, which might have seemed alarming in 2023, are now indicative of a stable and balanced market,” he added.

Read more on MarketWatch

The uncertainty and confusion in the Scottish ranks was not just alarming, it looked like it was going to be fatal to their World Cup dream.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• dangerous 
• disquieting 
• distressing www.thesaurus.com
• disturbing 
• frightening www.thesaurus.com
• startling