distressful

[ dih-stres-fuhl ]

adjective

1. causing or involving distress:

   the distressful circumstances of poverty and sickness.

2. full of, feeling, or indicating distress:

   a distressful cry.

Other Words From

• dis·tressful·ly adverb
• dis·tressful·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of distressful¹

First recorded in 1585–95; distress + -ful

Example Sentences

Hardly had he uttered these distressful exclamations when a prolonged note of melody caught his ear.

From Project Gutenberg

At the edge of a small field lying close to the road was a negro's cabin, and from that quarter came the dog's distressful outcry.

From Project Gutenberg

Half-way down the walk he paused, picked up a snail that had crawled out upon the distressful sand.

From Project Gutenberg

A cold dampness settled upon his forehead, his limbs trembled violently, and distressful sighs issued from his heaving breast.

From Project Gutenberg

Their distressful needs are in danger of being left aside in the pressure of other worthy appeals for aid.

From Project Gutenberg