- present participle of distress.
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.
"We have distressing cases where a child lost both parents and other siblings, leaving them as the only surviving member of the family," he is quoted as saying.
From BBC ● Aug. 18, 2026
Physiological reactions to memories of criticism decreased, indicating that recalling distressing experiences no longer triggered the same level of intense stress.
From Science Daily ● Aug. 18, 2026
Yes, it’s weird and distressing, watching billionaires play catch with our ballclubs.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 12, 2026
Those of us who regard the court as an essential institution find it particularly distressing how personal it often gets.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 7, 2026
The more distressing the memory, the more persistent its presence.
From "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen
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