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.

The number and size of American shipyards is distressingly low, while the average age of the workers is distressingly high at 55.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 18, 2026

There are notable exceptions, although they are distressingly few.

From Salon • Mar. 9, 2025

Amicable encounters between members of divergent groups are distressingly rare.

From Seattle Times • May 17, 2024

Stories of life savings lost in supposedly safe crypto investments are distressingly common.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 27, 2024

Toward dawn, when they returned to the water, their grunts echoed distressingly close by.

From "A Girl Named Disaster" by Nancy Farmer