worrying
- 01 B1 Intermediate
adj.making you feel anxious or concerned about a problem.
adj.causing anxiety, concern, or distress; inducing a state of worry in the observer.
Simple“The doctor said the test results were a bit worrying, so I need more tests.”
In context“The recent decline in global biodiversity is a deeply worrying trend that requires immediate international cooperation.”
PitfallI am very worrying about the exam. I am very worried about the exam.Use 'worrying' for the thing that causes the feeling, and 'worried' for the person who has the feeling.
SynonymsAntonyms - 02 C2 Proficiency
n.the act of bothering or upsetting someone repeatedly.
n.the act of harassing, pestering, or repeatedly bothering a person or animal.
Simple“The constant worrying of the sheep by the neighbor's dog became a serious problem.”
In context“The legal definition of harassment includes the persistent worrying of an individual through unwanted communication and physical following.”
UsageOften used in legal or agricultural contexts, such as 'sheep worrying' by dogs.
Synonyms
From worry + -ing.
From Middle English werying, equivalent to worry + -ing.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.