worrying
WUH-ree-ihng
Worrying (adj) means causing anxiety or concern. Example: “The doctor said the test results were nothing worrying at all.”
adj
1
Causing anxiety or concern.
"The doctor said the test results were nothing worrying at all."
"It is worrying that the children have not phoned to say they arrived."
"The report paints a worrying picture of the local economy."
noun
1
The act of feeling or causing anxiety.
"Constant worrying kept her awake for most of the night."
"Stop your worrying, because everything will be fine by the morning."
"All that worrying isn't going to change the outcome."
How to use worrying
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething that gives cause for concern.
UK vs US
British English favours "worrying" as the everyday adjective ("a worrying trend"), where American English often reaches for "worrisome."
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Word forms
- Plural
- worryings
- Comparative
- more worrying
- Superlative
- most worrying
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The doctor said the test results were nothing _____ at all.
Etymology
Formed from worry and -ing.
Synonyms
View more →
concerning
troubling
alarming
distressing
disturbing
disquieting
worrisome
distressful
perturbing
bedevilment
badgering
torment
Related words
Rhymes for worrying
See all rhymes for worrying →Frequently asked questions
What does “worrying” mean?
The word “worrying” means causing anxiety or concern. In plain terms, something that gives cause for concern.
How do you pronounce “worrying”?
“Worrying” is pronounced WUH-ree-ihng (/ˈwʌɹi.ɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “worrying” in a sentence?
Here is “worrying” used in a sentence: “The report paints a worrying picture of the local economy.”
What part of speech is “worrying”?
Depending on how it is used, “worrying” can be an adjective and a noun.
Is “worrying” a common word?
“Worrying” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “worrying” have?
“Worrying” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: causing anxiety or concern.
What is the difference between worrying and worried?
'Worrying' describes something that causes anxiety, as in 'a worrying situation.' 'Worried' describes the person who feels that anxiety, as in 'I am worried.' In short, a worrying event makes you worried.
What is the difference between worrying and concerning?
Both mean causing anxiety or concern, and they often overlap. 'Worrying' tends to feel slightly stronger and more emotional, while 'concerning' can sound a little more measured or formal. Either works to describe news or trends that trouble people.
When should you use worrying instead of troubling?
Use 'worrying' when you want to stress the anxiety or unease something causes, especially in British English where it is very common. Use 'troubling' when you want a slightly more serious or reflective tone. Both describe things that disturb the mind, but 'worrying' is more everyday.
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