distressing
11 synonyms and 1 antonym for distressing, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — Causing worry, sadness, or pain.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use distressing
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
deeply distressing
distressing news
find something distressing
Frequently asked questions
What does “distressing” mean?
The word “distressing” means causing worry, sadness, or pain. In plain terms, upsetting enough to cause real emotional pain.
How do you pronounce “distressing”?
“Distressing” is pronounced dih-STREH-sihng (/dɪˈstɹɛsɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “distressing” in a sentence?
Here is “distressing” used in a sentence: “It was distressing to watch the animals suffer in the heat.”
What part of speech is “distressing”?
“Distressing” is an adjective.
Is “distressing” a common word?
“Distressing” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
