1. causing worry, sadness, or pain; upsetting

Examples

• The news of the accident was very distressing to hear.
• She found the movie’s violent scenes distressing.
• It’s distressing to see so many homeless people on the streets.
• The patient’s distressing symptoms worried the doctors.
• The distressing images from the disaster shocked viewers.
• Parents found the school’s budget cuts distressing.
• His distressing behavior at the meeting concerned everyone.