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distressing

  • present participle
    of distress.
    distress
    noun
    great pain, anxiety, or sorrow; acute physical or mental suffering; affliction; trouble.
  • a word derived from distress.
    distress
    noun
    great pain, anxiety, or sorrow; acute physical or mental suffering; affliction; trouble.

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:

Clancy's case is "an incredibly distressing and rare outcome of postpartum psychosis," Wilson told AFP.

From Barron's ● Aug. 28, 2026

Physiological reactions to memories of criticism decreased, indicating that recalling distressing experiences no longer triggered the same level of intense stress.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 18, 2026

The Catholic Diocese of Northampton - which covers Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire – said in a previous statement that it recognised the case was "very distressing for all concerned".

From BBC ● Aug. 13, 2026

Yes, it’s weird and distressing, watching billionaires play catch with our ballclubs.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 12, 2026

“The e-mail anxiety, and the failure talk...These are subjects you’ve brought up before. They’re very distressing to you.”

From "It’s Kind of a Funny Story" by Ned Vizzini