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

Speaking at a media facility on Thursday afternoon, DCC Singleton said knives were the "most significant threat" to officers, with their presence going up at an "alarming rate" as officers respond to incidents.

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A new report from the Massachusetts Institute for Technology makes for alarming reading.

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While I am sure that nothing could possibly go wrong in that scenario, that’s not actually the part that is immediately alarming.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

These forests are disappearing at an alarming pace.

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Before the City Council confirmed his appointment as chief, Moore also had called for an outside organization to conduct the inquiry, describing the reports of the firefighters’ warnings on Jan. 2 as alarming.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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