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Synonyms

distressful

American  
[dih-stres-fuhl] / dɪˈstrɛs fəl /

adjective

  1. causing or involving distress.

    the distressful circumstances of poverty and sickness.

  2. full of, feeling, or indicating distress.

    a distressful cry.


Other Word Forms


Etymology

Origin of distressful

First recorded in 1585–95; distress + -ful


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.

See Examples For:

“The Falwell, Granda and Cohen families must be going through very distressful times,” he said in a text message.

From Washington Post ● Sep. 18, 2020

And what’s still more distressful is the fact motorists will have to pay high rates to return home or pick up the kiddies at day care during evening rush.

From Washington Times ● Dec. 4, 2017

Needless to say this was a very distressful and infuriating experience.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 12, 2017

In Sidcup, England, the town that was home to Gillies' special facial hospital, some park benches were painted blue; a code that warned townspeople that any man sitting on one would be distressful to view.

From Slate ● Jan. 5, 2013

Maternity, or additional offspring, may force upon the woman a distressful life and future.

From "Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything" by Steven D. Levitt

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