distressed

[dih-strest]

adjective

1. showing or suffering from distress; worried or upset.

   They got a call from a distressed mother whose child had gone missing.

   We could tell from the distressed expression on his face that the news was bad.

2. characterized by poor conditions or lack of resources.

   The distressed economy has left many families struggling to make ends meet.

   More help is needed for schools in distressed neighborhoods.

3. (of merchandise or property for sale) damaged, out-of-date, or used.

   The library periodically sells off distressed books.

4. (of real estate) foreclosed and offered for sale.

   Some investors seek out distressed properties to buy at a low price and make a profit on.

5. (of furniture) purposely blemished or marred so as to give an antique appearance.

   The distressed wooden chest in the corner of the room added a touch of rustic charm.

6. (of fabric or clothing) made or processed to appear faded, wrinkled, frayed, or worn, as if from long, steady use.

   Our best-selling jeans are the ones in distressed denim.

distressed

/ dɪˈstrɛst /

adjective

1. much troubled; upset; afflicted

2. in financial straits; poor

3. (of furniture, fabric, etc) having signs of ageing artificially applied

4. economics another word for depressed

Other Word Forms

• distressedly adverb
• distressedness noun
• quasi-distressed adjective
• undistressed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of distressed¹

First recorded in 1580–90; distress + -ed ²

Example Sentences

"I was feeling quite distressed and wanted guidance, and didn't want friends involved."

From BBC

"We get quite a lot of end of lines, distressed stock and it devalues over time so we utilise that stock in a better way," he explains.

From BBC

Natasha - who had depression and anxiety - became distressed at the prospect of having to deliver the oral assessment to a full lecture theatre.

From BBC

It resulted in distressed residents calling out from their beds throughout the day for help to get washed and dressed, and to go to the toilet.

From BBC

After bankruptcy proceedings, Madera Community is now owned and operated by American Advanced Management, a for-profit company that has made a business out of rescuing distressed and shuttered hospitals.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• afflicted 
• agitated 
• anxious 
• distraught 
• jittery 
• miffed 
• perturbed 
• shaky 
• troubled www.thesaurus.com