distressed
Distressed (adjective) means Very upset, anxious, or in pain. Example: “The distressed passengers waited for news of the delayed flight.”
How to Use Distressed
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither emotionally upset, or (for furniture, clothing, etc.) artificially aged in appearance.
Word Forms
more distressed comparative, most distressed superlative
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ passengers waited for news of the delayed flight.
Related Words
Rhymes for distressed
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “distressed” mean?
The word “distressed” means very upset, anxious, or in pain. In plain terms, either emotionally upset, or (for furniture, clothing, etc.) artificially aged in appearance.
How do you pronounce “distressed”?
“Distressed” is pronounced dih-STREHST (/dɪˈstɹɛst/ in IPA).
How do you use “distressed” in a sentence?
Here is “distressed” used in a sentence: “The distressed passengers waited for news of the delayed flight.”
What part of speech is “distressed”?
“Distressed” is an adjective.
Is “distressed” a common word?
“Distressed” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “distressed” have?
“Distressed” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: very upset, anxious, or in pain.
What is the difference between distressed and upset?
Distressed describes a strong state of being very anxious, upset, or in pain, often implying a more serious or prolonged emotional state. Upset is a milder, more general term for feeling unhappy or bothered, which does not necessarily carry the same intensity as distressed.
What does distressed mean when describing furniture or clothing?
When describing furniture, denim, or leather, distressed means deliberately made to look old or worn, often through techniques like sanding, fading, or scuffing. This sense has nothing to do with emotional distress and instead refers to an intentional design style.
Is distressed used in emergency or safety contexts?
Yes, distressed is often used in emergency contexts, such as "a distressed vessel" or "a distressed animal," meaning it is in danger or urgently needs help. This usage extends from the core meaning of being in a troubled or difficult state.