B2adjectiveemotionspsychology
US/dɪˈstres.ɪŋ/
UK/dɪˈstres.ɪŋ/
making you feel very upset, worried or in pain
In context
It was distressing to watch the news about the flood victims.
The doctor delivered the distressing results as gently as she could.
Many parents find their children's first days at school distressing.
Words that go with distressing
adjective + noun
- distressing newsThe family received distressing news late at night.
- distressing experienceThe accident was a distressing experience.
- distressing imagesThe film contains distressing images.
adverb + adjective
- deeply distressingLosing a pet can be deeply distressing.
adjective + preposition
- distressing forThe noise was distressing for the patients.
- find it distressingSome viewers found the scene distressing.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
I am very distressing about the news.Correct: I am very distressed about the news.