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Definitions

distress

[dih-stres] / dɪˈstrɛs /
NOUN
pain, agony
Synonyms
STRONG
ache affliction anguish anxiety blues care concern cross dejection desolation disappointment discomfort disquietude dolor embarrassment grief headache heartache heartbreak irritation malaise misery mortification ordeal pang perplexity sadness shame sorrow stew suffering throe torment torture trial tribulation trouble twinge unhappiness vexation visitation woe worriment worry wretchedness
WEAK
bad news unconsolability
Antonyms
STRONG
advantage aid blessing calm calmness cheer comfort contentment delight ease euphoria gladness good health happiness health help joy joyfulness joyousness peace pleasure relief
WEAK
benefit miracle
NOUN
hardship, adversity
Synonyms
STRONG
bummer calamity catastrophe crunch destitution difficulty disaster downer drag exigency indigence jam misfortune need pickle pinch poverty privation rigor scrape straits throe trial trouble vicissitude want
WEAK
bad luck can of worms hard knocks hard time holy mess hot water rotten luck ticklish spot tough break tough luck unholy mess
Antonyms
STRONG
abundance advantage benefit blessing boon comfort contentment ease fortune good fortune good luck happiness luxury miracle peace pleasure plenty success wealth wonder
WEAK
health
VERB
worry, upset
Synonyms
STRONG
afflict aggrieve agonize ail bother break bug depress desolate discombobulate disquiet disturb dog eat get grieve harass harry hound hurt injure irk irritate miff nag needle oppress pain peeve perplex pester plague push rack sadden strain strap stress torment torture trouble try vex weigh wound
WEAK
be on one's case burn up do a number on get to give a hard time make it tough for nit-pick pick on push buttons tick off
Antonyms
STRONG
aid appease assist assuage be happy build calm cheer comfort cure delight discourage dissuade fix gladden heal help hide ignore leave alone make happy mend neglect placate please relieve soothe support

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“The amount of money saved is nowhere near the distress, hurt, and harm it causes for American Workers, in this case, our Longshoremen.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026

The judge denied the defendants’ request to dismiss the negligence, emotional distress and punitive damages claims.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

Officers are still appealing for witnesses, particularly anyone who saw a woman in distress in the area of Ashley Road between 02:00 and 04:00 BST on Saturday.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

In a statement they said the decision was taken with "minimal notice" and "has caused serious financial distress for affected students" with some considering leaving their courses.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

“I would not distress you,” Nathan said quietly, “yet must we not face the truth so that we can make our decisions? Have I told you anything you do not know yourself?”

From "Nectar in a Sieve" by Kamala Markandaya

Vocabulary lists containing distress

Don't Distress: Words With Irregular Opposites

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

100 SAT Words Beginning with "D"

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

"A Modest Proposal," Vocabulary from the satire

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!