distress
noun
great pain, anxiety, or sorrow; acute physical or mental suffering; affliction; trouble.
are distressing
-
present progressiveof distress.present progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or state that is currently taking place in the immediate present.
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.
He described Plumb's plans as "horrifying", adding: "They are distressing even for seasoned professionals to read."
From BBC ● Oct. 21, 2025
Maxwell, of Rady Children’s Hospital, said that though the survey results are distressing, he also feels optimism that things can improve.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 30, 2022
They are distressing for optimists who hope for a better future and depressing for believers in shared liberal values of decency, human rights and tolerance.
From Washington Post ● Feb. 18, 2019
He has to fabricate reality to situations that are distressing to him.
From Slate ● Sep. 18, 2018
It may be that you are distressing yourself with little reason, and that, if you would confide in me, I might demonstrate to you that you have no cause for repining.
From Greifenstein by Crawford, F. Marion (Francis Marion)
