distressing

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.

Tinnitus can range from mildly irritating to severely distressing.

From Science Daily • May 15, 2026

Despite what a distressing number of credentialed Americans appear to think, antisemitism doesn’t burst onto the scene ex nihilo with pogroms and Nuremberg Laws.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 13, 2026

"This remains a deeply distressing matter," police commissioner Martin Dole told reporters.

From Barron's • May 3, 2026

She added that it has been an "incredibly difficult and distressing time" for them.

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026

Dearest Celie, I meant to write you in time for Easter, but it was not a good time for me and I did not want to burden you with any distressing news.

From "The Color Purple" by Alice Walker