distressed

/dɪˈstrɛst/

Say it: dih-STREST

1. adjective Experiencing great pain, anxiety, or sorrow; very upset.
The child was visibly distressed after getting separated from her parents in the crowd.
2. adjective Suffering from financial hardship or near bankruptcy.
The investment firm specializes in buying and restructuring distressed companies.
3. adjective Having been treated to create an appearance of age and wear.
He furnished the cabin with distressed pine tables and worn leather armchairs.

📖 Seen in the wild

The distressed parents sought help from a therapist to cope with their child's behavioral issues.
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✏️ distressed in a sentence

She was too distressed to speak about what had happened.
Emergency services received a call from a distressed swimmer who had been swept out by the current.
The charity provides support for families who are financially distressed.
This style of distressed denim is very popular right now.
He sounded distressed on the phone, so I went over to his house immediately.
The global economic downturn led to a surge in distressed assets on the market.
A distressed cry for help was heard from within the collapsed building.

🔁 Synonyms & antonyms

upset troubled anxious anguished worried agitated tormented heartbroken

upset · a more general term, often implying a less severe or more temporary state.

troubled · suggests a deep, ongoing worry, often more internal and less outwardly expressed.

anxious · focuses specifically on worry and fear about what might happen in the future.

anguished · a much stronger word implying extreme, often unbearable mental or physical pain.

Opposites: calm, content, pleased, tranquil, comforted

🌱 Where it comes from

The word 'distressed' traces back to the Latin 'distringere', meaning 'to pull apart' or 'stretch thin'. This idea of being pulled in different directions or stretched to a breaking point was adopted into Old French as 'destrecier'. It entered English carrying this powerful sense of being under severe strain, which evolved into our modern meaning of profound emotional or financial suffering.

🧩 How it's used

Common patterns:

deeply distressedvisibly distresseddistressed swimmerdistressed companydistressed assetsdistressed leather

While 'distressed' most commonly describes a state of severe emotional suffering, it has two other specific meanings you should know. In finance, it refers to a company or asset in serious financial trouble. In fashion and interior design, it describes a finish that has been artificially aged. These meanings are distinct, so context is crucial for avoiding misunderstanding. For example, a 'distressed person' is suffering, but 'distressed jeans' are a fashion item.

Word family: distress, distressing, distressful

💬 Quick answers

What does 'distressed' mean?

It most often means feeling very upset, worried, or in pain. It can also describe a company in financial trouble or furniture that has been artificially aged to look old.

What is the difference between 'distressed' and 'stressed'?

'Stressed' usually refers to feeling pressure or tension from life's demands. 'Distressed' is a stronger word, implying a deeper level of suffering, anxiety, or sorrow.

What is an example of a distressed asset?

A distressed asset is something sold at a deep discount because its owner is in financial trouble. Common examples include a foreclosed home or bonds from a company on the verge of bankruptcy.

Is 'distressed' a strong word?

Yes, when referring to emotions, it indicates a significant level of suffering, much more intense than simply being sad or worried.

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