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REFERENCE

distressed

adj. · v.
US //dɪˈstɹɛst// UK //dɪstɹˈɛst// dis·tressed
  1. 1 upset or worried (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    feeling very upset, worried, or anxious.

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The social worker noted that the client appeared visibly distressed when discussing the recent changes to her living arrangements.
  2. 2 made to look old (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    treated so that it looks old or used, like furniture with scratches or faded jeans.

    intentionally marred, faded, or worn to achieve an antique or vintage aesthetic.

    Example

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

    Example

    The fashion label released a line of distressed denim jackets that featured intentional fraying and artificial chemical fading.
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  1. 3 financial trouble (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Finance

    describing a business or property that is in serious financial trouble or failing.

    undergoing severe financial or operational strain, often nearing bankruptcy or foreclosure.

    Example

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

    Example

    The private equity firm specialises in acquiring distressed assets and restructuring them to return the companies to profitability.
  2. 4 to cause worry (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to make someone feel very worried or upset.

    to cause someone to experience severe emotional pain or anxiety. Transitive use.

    Example

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

    Example

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

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