alarming
Alarming (adjective) means causing worry or fear; disturbing enough to make people take notice. Example: “The report revealed an alarming rise in the number of road accidents.”
How to use alarming
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething that makes you worried just by hearing about it.
Word forms
more alarming comparative, most alarming superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The report revealed an _____ rise in the number of road accidents.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for alarming
See all rhymes for alarming →Frequently asked questions
What does “alarming” mean?
The word “alarming” means causing worry or fear; disturbing enough to make people take notice. In plain terms, something that makes you worried just by hearing about it.
How do you pronounce “alarming”?
“Alarming” is pronounced uh-LAHM-ihng (/əˈlɑɹm.ɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “alarming” in a sentence?
Here is “alarming” used in a sentence: “The report revealed an alarming rise in the number of road accidents.”
What is the opposite of “alarming”?
The opposite of “alarming” — its antonyms — is comforting.
What part of speech is “alarming”?
“Alarming” is an adjective.
Is “alarming” a common word?
“Alarming” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between "alarming" and "alarmed"?
"Alarming" describes something that causes worry or fear, such as an alarming report, while "alarmed" describes the person or animal experiencing that fear. In other words, a situation is alarming, but a person becomes alarmed because of it.
What is the difference between "alarming" and "concerning"?
"Alarming" suggests a stronger, more urgent reaction than "concerning," implying real fear or a sense of danger rather than mild worry. A concerning trend might simply need watching, whereas an alarming trend demands immediate attention.
What are common collocations with "alarming"?
"Alarming" frequently pairs with words like rate, rise, trend, increase, and decline, especially in news and statistical contexts describing something worsening quickly. It is also common in phrases such as "an alarming lack of" or "alarming levels of."