distress
noun
great pain, anxiety, or sorrow; acute physical or mental suffering; affliction; trouble.
is distressing
-
present progressiveof distress (3rd person singular).present progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or state that is currently taking place in the immediate present.
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.
"Being carried past my stop is distressing and exhausting," she said.
From BBC ● Sep. 10, 2025
“As someone who serves in uniform, it is distressing that nearly 1 in 10 unhoused people are veterans,” Han said.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 1, 2024
"It is distressing because you don't know on a day-to-day basis what can happen; we are living one day at a time."
From Reuters ● Oct. 30, 2023
“It is distressing to see so little money go out the door.”
From Seattle Times ● Jun. 2, 2023
“The girl has learned her lesson. Make her clean up the mess and let her be. It is distressing to me to see such a scene. It might mar our child.”
From "Copper Sun" by Sharon M. Draper
