distressed
Americanadjective
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showing or suffering from distress; worried or upset.
They got a call from a distressed mother whose child had gone missing.
We could tell from the distressed expression on his face that the news was bad.
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characterized by poor conditions or lack of resources.
The distressed economy has left many families struggling to make ends meet.
More help is needed for schools in distressed neighborhoods.
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(of merchandise or property for sale) damaged, out-of-date, or used.
The library periodically sells off distressed books.
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(of real estate) foreclosed and offered for sale.
Some investors seek out distressed properties to buy at a low price and make a profit on.
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(of furniture) purposely blemished or marred so as to give an antique appearance.
The distressed wooden chest in the corner of the room added a touch of rustic charm.
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(of fabric or clothing) made or processed to appear faded, wrinkled, frayed, or worn, as if from long, steady use.
Our best-selling jeans are the ones in distressed denim.
adjective
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much troubled; upset; afflicted
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in financial straits; poor
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(of furniture, fabric, etc) having signs of ageing artificially applied
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economics another word for depressed
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of distressed
Explanation
Distressed is an adjective that describes a general feeling of unhappiness, like the distressed feeling you have when your team is about to lose the big game. Distressed can also describe feeling stressed out and tired because of worry. You feel worn out and pulled in different directions — which rings true to the word's origin: the Latin word districtus, meaning "drawn apart." Being distressed physically means your body is injured and hurts, and if you've ever seen jeans called "distressed," you know they've been made to look worn and possibly even falling apart.
Vocabulary lists containing distressed
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myPerspectives 6.3
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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.
But then maybe a better ending to this exhibition would have addressed the effect the “Modern Scandal” had on Matisse, who was distressed but undeterred by it.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 25, 2026
Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, said he was "shocked and distressed" by the news of Widdecombe's death, describing her as a "woman of deep faith who devoted her life to public service".
From BBC ● Jul. 21, 2026
However, Southeast Asia’s private credit growth appears more limited, with a focus largely on middle-market or distressed companies.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 8, 2026
In a 2024 exposé on Bowlero’s rise, Amos Barshad introduced a now-familiar category of villain — the private-equity vulture — as more than the average mercenary buying up distressed properties and selling off their parts.
From Salon ● Jul. 3, 2026
The sight of an injured animal distressed the Abbot, but he decided wisely to leave matters to Jess.
From "Redwall" by Brian Jacques
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
