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.

A court heard the incident had been distressing for the victim and her family who were at home at the time.

From BBC • May 24, 2023

Laura said that some pupils were excluded but only for a few days, and the effect they had seen on their daughter had been distressing.

From BBC • Jul. 26, 2022

The visit had been distressing but Henry was there when they left.

From BBC • Jun. 4, 2022

This had been distressing enough, but now he’s worried about getting deported.

From Slate • Nov. 12, 2018

His lamentations and cries of "Ah, mon Dieu!" and "O la la là!" had been distressing.

From The Way of Ambition by Soper, J. H. Gardner