distress signal

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 increase represents yet another distress signal coming from within the housing market.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 10, 2026

"For too long, the world has been caught in a cycle of negotiations, while the planet's distress signal grows louder. While dialogue is important, action is imperative," he wrote.

From BBC • Nov. 20, 2025

"The Colombian boat was adrift and had its distress signal on," Petro said, referring to the strike that killed Carranza.

From Barron's • Oct. 19, 2025

It apparently drifted in the rough seas and was blown by the strong wind, and the captain sent a distress signal about five hours later, saying his ship hit the rocks, the coast guard said.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 3, 2024

Mayday used to be a distress signal, a long time ago, in one of those wars we studied in high school.

From "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood