Word
alarming
Phoneticsalarm·ing
US/əˈɫɑɹmɪŋ/
UK/ɐlˈɑːmɪŋ/
Definition
adj. causing you to feel worried or afraid because something seems wrong or dangerous.
adj. causing apprehension, fear, or urgent concern; often used to describe statistics, trends, or sudden developments.
Examples
“The sudden drop in sales was alarming.”
“The doctor found the test results alarming and ordered further checks.”
“The alarming rate of deforestation in the Amazon basin has prompted urgent calls for international policy reform.”
Examples
simple
“The sudden drop in sales was alarming.”
contextual
“The doctor found the test results alarming and ordered further checks.”
complex
“The alarming rate of deforestation in the Amazon basin has prompted urgent calls for international policy reform.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “alarming” in context.
Pitfall
I am very alarming about the news.
I am very alarmed by the news.
Use 'alarming' for the thing that causes the feeling and 'alarmed' for the person who has the feeling.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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