distressing
word · lemma: distress
Definition
Causing feelings of extreme worry, sadness, or discomfort; something that makes you feel troubled or upset.
Usage & Nuances
'Distressing' is a formal or semi-formal word, commonly used to describe events, news, or situations that cause emotional pain. Often paired with words like 'news', 'experience', or 'image'. Not as intense as 'traumatic', but stronger than 'upsetting'.
Spanish: angustiante - perturbadorPortuguese (BR): angustiante - perturbadorPortuguese (PT): aflitivo - perturbadorChinese (Simplified): 令人痛苦的 - 令人苦恼的Chinese (Traditional): 令人痛苦的 - 令人苦惱的Hindi: कष्टदायक - परेशान करने वालाArabic: مزعج - مؤلمBengali: বেদনাদায়ক - মর্মন্তুদRussian: тревожный - огорчающийJapanese: 痛ましい - 悲痛なVietnamese: đáng lo ngại - gây đau buồnKorean: 괴로운 - 고통스러운Turkish: üzücü - rahatsız ediciUrdu: پریشان کن - تکلیف دہIndonesian: mengganggu - menyedihkan
Example Sentences
The news was very distressing.
basic
Losing his dog was distressing for him.
basic
She found the hospital experience distressing.
basic
I watched a distressing documentary about refugees last night.
natural
It's distressing to see so many people losing their jobs.
natural
Her reaction to the distressing news was completely understandable.
natural