distress
noun
great pain, anxiety, or sorrow; acute physical or mental suffering; affliction; trouble.
has been distressing
-
present perfect progressiveof distress (3rd person singular).present perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that began in the past, has continued continuously, and is still in progress.
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.
Torres said the situation has been distressing for the entire family.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 31, 2025
“Clearly, another diagnosis so soon after treatment for breast cancer has been distressing but the Duchess remains in good spirits,” the spokesperson said.
From Seattle Times ● Jan. 21, 2024
But while she jokes about it, she added, the loss has been distressing: “For a few months, every day almost, I would cry at the end of the day.”
From New York Times ● Jan. 2, 2021
Writing her book, and talking about it, has been distressing but Couch knows this is the road to lasting peace.
From The Guardian ● Sep. 25, 2019
It's not a case for Dr. Fergusson, yet it has been distressing me for some months.
From The Third Class at Miss Kaye's A School Story by Brazil, Angela
