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REFERENCE

worrying

adj. · n.
US //ˈwɝiɪŋ// UK //wˈʌɹɪɪŋ// wor·ry·ing
  1. 1 causing anxiety (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    making you feel anxious or concerned about a problem.

    causing anxiety, concern, or distress; inducing a state of worry in the observer.

    Example

    The doctor said the test results were a bit worrying, so I need more tests.

    Example

    The recent decline in global biodiversity is a deeply worrying trend that requires immediate international cooperation.
    Pitfall
    I 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.

  2. 2 harassment or pestering (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Literary Formal

    the act of bothering or upsetting someone repeatedly.

    the act of harassing, pestering, or repeatedly bothering a person or animal.

    Example

    The constant worrying of the sheep by the neighbor's dog became a serious problem.

    Example

    The legal definition of harassment includes the persistent worrying of an individual through unwanted communication and physical following.

    Usage

    Often used in legal or agricultural contexts, such as 'sheep worrying' by dogs.
Etymology 1

From worry + -ing.

Etymology 2

From Middle English werying, equivalent to worry + -ing.

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