Word
distressing
Phoneticsdis·tress·ing, stress on the second syllable
US/dɪˈstɹɛsɪŋ/
UK/dɪstɹˈɛsɪŋ/
Definition
adj. causing you to feel very worried, upset, or sad. You use this to describe news, images, or situations that are hard to deal with emotionally.
adj. causing significant emotional pain, anxiety, or sorrow. Often used to describe external stimuli like news or imagery; frequently follows linking verbs such as 'find' or 'be'.
Examples
“The news about the accident was very distressing.”
“The charity decided not to show the most distressing images during the daytime television broadcast.”
“Witnessing the rapid decline of the historic district was deeply distressing to the residents who had spent decades maintaining their ancestral homes.”
Examples
simple
“The news about the accident was very distressing.”
contextual
“The charity decided not to show the most distressing images during the daytime television broadcast.”
complex
“Witnessing the rapid decline of the historic district was deeply distressing to the residents who had spent decades maintaining their ancestral homes.”
Usage
Often modified by degree adverbs like 'deeply', 'highly', or 'extremely'.
Pitfall
I am very distressing about the news
I am very distressed about the news
Learners often confuse the -ing adjective (the cause of the feeling) with the -ed adjective (the person experiencing the feeling).
Real-World Examples
“Tasmanians care deeply about our wildlife, and particularly our penguins, so we understand that reports like these may be distressing for the community.” “Warning: This article contains details some readers may find distressing.” - 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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