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Definitions

distressed

[dih-strest] / dɪˈstrɛst /
ADJECTIVE
upset
Synonyms
STRONGEST
afflicted agitated anxious distraught jittery miffed perturbed shaky troubled
STRONG
bothered bugged concerned discombobulated distracted dragged exercised harassed peeved ripped saddened shook spooked tormented wired worried wrecked
WEAK
all torn up antsy basket case bummed out bundle of nerves cut up disconsolate distrait fidgety hyper in a stew in a tizzy inconsolable jumpy shook-up shot down strung-out unconsolable unglued up the wall uptight wretched
Antonyms
STRONGEST
calm cool happy peaceful pleased untroubled
STRONG
unworried
WEAK
collected comforted glad joyful

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.

Nowhere is there any critical examination of this framing of distressed children as “clients” holding “goals” of changing themselves.

From Slate • Apr. 3, 2026

When under pressure from visitors, the cows can become distressed or react out of fear, a trust spokesperson said.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

Some investors fear loans in the funds are poised to become distressed.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 13, 2026

The pilot program, from 2027 through 2031, would award grants up to $10 million, based on the program’s funding, and prioritize recipients in economically distressed communities or qualified opportunity zones.

From Barron's • Mar. 13, 2026

Remembering what Hermione had said about the Patil twins’ parents wanting them to leave Hogwarts, Harry was unsurprised to see that the two best friends were whispering together, looking distressed.

From "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" by J.K. Rowling

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.