sobering

American  

[soh-ber-ing] / ˈsoʊ bər ɪŋ /

adjective

1. serious, grave, or solemn.

   One of the most sobering visits was to the cemetery at Omaha Beach where 18,000 American servicemen lie buried.

   The agency has issued a sobering warning about the health of the world's oceans.

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Other Word Forms

• nonsobering adjective
• soberingly adverb
• unsobering adjective

Etymology

Origin of sobering

sober ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

Even in a flight to safety, if spirits start to stumble, the message from staples could quickly turn sobering.

From Barron's

But the schools’ sobering return projections and new willingness to cash out early suggest the long-treasured investment is losing its luster.

From The Wall Street Journal

It’s easier, but writing checks every month was a sobering reminder of where my money was going.

From The Wall Street Journal

The court heard that Laura and Brian Webb gave an eloquent and sobering account of the sheer loss and damage that has been done to their family since the death of Aaron.

From BBC

Then came the sobering reality that we’re no longer young men.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• dangerous
• deep
• difficult
• far-reaching
• grievous
• important
• major
• meaningful
• severe
• significant
• tough
• urgent