distress
noun
great pain, anxiety, or sorrow; acute physical or mental suffering; affliction; trouble.
were 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.
The Australian foreign ministry said it was urgently seeking to confirm what it said were "distressing" reports that an Australian was among the aid workers killed in Deir al-Balah.
From BBC ● Apr. 1, 2024
The NSW DPI also said that the fish deaths were "distressing to the local community", a sentiment echoed by Mr McCrabb.
From BBC ● Mar. 17, 2023
Many of the accusations “might not reach the threshold for criminality,” but were distressing nevertheless, Jess Phillips, a lawmaker from the opposition Labour Party, told the BBC this week.
From New York Times ● Apr. 1, 2021
However, not all the scenes at Target were distressing.
From Washington Times ● Jun. 1, 2020
The Ameer arranged that the Vakeel of the Indian Government should visit Simla, carrying with him full explanations, and charged to lay before the Viceroy sundry grievances which were distressing Shere Ali.
From The Afghan Wars 1839-42 and 1878-80 by Forbes, Archibald
