sobering

American

[soh-ber-ing] / ˈsoʊ bər ɪŋ /

adjective

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.

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of sobering

sober ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. )

Explanation

Something that's sobering is serious, and even a little bit worrying. It's sobering to learn that someone you love is very ill. You can use the adjective sobering when you talk about news that feels heavy and important. Environmental studies about climate change are sobering, and statistics about the number of stray dogs and cats in the country are sobering too. Things that are sobering make you feel sober, or serious and solemn. The Latin root, sobrius, means "not intoxicated," which is also the original definition of sober.

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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 Arlington Recovery Community and Sobering Center is listed as having a temporary suspension status.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 9, 2023

Sobering news for travelers: Transportation releases a lot of greenhouse gases.

From Washington Post • Jul. 15, 2022

Sobering editorial by Nathan Gardels on the Noema magazine site.

From The Guardian • Aug. 22, 2020

Sobering and scary: I was in my bedroom … when I heard the announcement on the radio.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 4, 2018

Sobering himself and turning quickly, he made his exit.

From The False Chevalier or, The Lifeguard of Marie Antoinette by Lighthall, W. D. (William Douw)

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023