Word
distressed
Phoneticsdis·tressed, stress on the second syllable
US/dɪˈstɹɛst/
UK/dɪstɹˈɛst/
Definitions
01upset or worried
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. feeling very upset, worried, or anxious.
adj. suffering from high levels of anxiety, sorrow, or mental pain.
“The family was deeply distressed by the news of the accident.”
“The social worker noted that the client appeared visibly distressed when discussing the recent changes to her living arrangements.”
02made to look old
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. treated so that it looks old or used, like furniture with scratches or faded jeans.
adj. intentionally marred, faded, or worn to achieve an antique or vintage aesthetic.
“She bought a distressed wooden table to give her kitchen a rustic feel.”
“The fashion label released a line of distressed denim jackets that featured intentional fraying and artificial chemical fading.”
Synonyms
03financial trouble
C1 · Advanced Finance Technical
adj. describing a business or property that is in serious financial trouble or failing.
adj. undergoing severe financial or operational strain, often nearing bankruptcy or foreclosure.
“The bank sold the distressed property at a very low price.”
“The private equity firm specialises in acquiring distressed assets and restructuring them to return the companies to profitability.”
Antonyms
04to cause worry
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to make someone feel very worried or upset.
v. to cause someone to experience severe emotional pain or anxiety. Transitive use.
“It distressed her to see so many people without homes in the city.”
“The graphic nature of the testimony clearly distressed several members of the jury during the afternoon session.”
Real-World Examples
“The researchers found that participants who received Project Safe Guard became significantly more willing to consider temporarily storing their firearms outside the home when they themselves became highly distressed.” “It was something that affected them."
As smoke, then distressed passengers emerged from the rear of the plane, it because clear what had happened.” Domain
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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