distress
noun
great pain, anxiety, or sorrow; acute physical or mental suffering; affliction; trouble.
was distressing
-
past progressiveof distress.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
Supt Marcus Noden said it was "distressing and heartbreaking" that a boy had lost his life and urged witnesses to come forward.
From BBC ● Jun. 8, 2025
Mr Webb claimed it was "distressing" waiting for updates about the dogs from Gwent Police.
From BBC ● Mar. 22, 2025
“He was out on his boat, floating around the world. That was distressing to me.”
From Salon ● Oct. 31, 2024
That was distressing to Fatima Monteiro, a community health agent who suffers from high blood pressure, which puts her at greater risk of blackouts and fainting during heat waves.
From Seattle Times ● Mar. 22, 2024
One day, when young Siddhartha was distressing his father with his defiance and temper and had broken both rice bowls, Vasudeva took his friend aside in the evening and talked to him.
From "Siddhartha" by Hermann Hesse
