distress
word
/dɪˈstɹɛs/
di-STRES
/dɪstɹˈɛs/
di-STRES
Definition
Distress is a strong feeling of pain, worry, or sadness. It can also mean a serious situation of trouble or suffering.
Usage & Nuances
Often used in formal, medical, legal, or news contexts: 'emotional distress', 'financial distress', 'in distress'. It is stronger and more serious than 'stress' and is usually uncountable when talking about the feeling.
Spanish: angustia - aflicción - sufrimientoPortuguese (BR): angústia - aflição - sofrimentoPortuguese (PT): angústia - aflição - sofrimentoChinese (Simplified): 痛苦 - 苦恼 - 困境Chinese (Traditional): 痛苦 - 苦惱 - 困境Hindi: व्यथा - पीड़ा - संकटArabic: ضيق - كرب - محنةBengali: কষ্ট - দুর্দশাRussian: бедствие - страдание - сильное беспокойствоJapanese: 苦しみ - 困窮Vietnamese: đau khổ - cảnh ngộ khó khănKorean: 고통 - 곤경Turkish: sıkıntı - sıkıntılı durum - acıUrdu: پریشانی - مصیبتIndonesian: kesusahan - penderitaan
Example Sentences
The loud noise caused the baby great distress.
basic
She was in distress after losing her wallet.
basic
The family asked for help because they were in financial distress.
basic
Seeing him that upset really put me in distress.
natural
The article described the refugees' distress in heartbreaking detail.
natural
If a customer sounds in distress, stay calm and listen carefully.
natural