English Reference
adjective · verb

distressed

adj. · v.
US /dɪˈstɹɛst/ UK /dɪstɹˈɛst/ dis·tressed

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.feeling very upset, worried, or anxious.

    adj.suffering from high levels of anxiety, sorrow, or mental pain.

    Simple

    The family was deeply distressed by the news of the accident.

    In context

    The social worker noted that the client appeared visibly distressed when discussing the recent changes to her living arrangements.

  2. 02 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.

    Simple

    She bought a distressed wooden table to give her kitchen a rustic feel.

    In context

    The fashion label released a line of distressed denim jackets that featured intentional fraying and artificial chemical fading.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced Technical Finance

    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.

    Simple

    The bank sold the distressed property at a very low price.

    In context

    The private equity firm specialises in acquiring distressed assets and restructuring them to return the companies to profitability.

  4. 04 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.

    Simple

    It distressed her to see so many people without homes in the city.

    In context

    The graphic nature of the testimony clearly distressed several members of the jury during the afternoon session.

    upsettroubleagitate

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.

Phys.org· 16 Aug 2026

It was something that affected them." As smoke, then distressed passengers emerged from the rear of the plane, it because clear what had happened.

BBC News· 6 Aug 2026
This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Frequent
Updated