distressed
Americanadjective
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showing or suffering from distress; worried or upset.
They got a call from a distressed mother whose child had gone missing.
We could tell from the distressed expression on his face that the news was bad.
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characterized by poor conditions or lack of resources.
The distressed economy has left many families struggling to make ends meet.
More help is needed for schools in distressed neighborhoods.
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(of merchandise or property for sale) damaged, out-of-date, or used.
The library periodically sells off distressed books.
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(of real estate) foreclosed and offered for sale.
Some investors seek out distressed properties to buy at a low price and make a profit on.
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(of furniture) purposely blemished or marred so as to give an antique appearance.
The distressed wooden chest in the corner of the room added a touch of rustic charm.
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(of fabric or clothing) made or processed to appear faded, wrinkled, frayed, or worn, as if from long, steady use.
Our best-selling jeans are the ones in distressed denim.
adjective
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much troubled; upset; afflicted
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in financial straits; poor
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(of furniture, fabric, etc) having signs of ageing artificially applied
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economics another word for depressed
Other Word Forms
- distressedly adverb
- distressedness noun
- quasi-distressed adjective
- undistressed adjective
Etymology
Origin of distressed
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.
"Many supporters were visibly distressed, particularly in the upper concourse area of the away section, where crushing became apparent," the club stated.
From BBC
The Modesto-based company specializes in buying distressed rural hospitals and now operates 14 hospitals in California, Utah and Texas.
From Los Angeles Times
One can appreciate the contrast between the serenity of the brothers at the stake, heads raised in prayer, and the frantic, distressed attempts by the surrounding figures to evade the flames.
“Ms. Buzzard became visibly distressed after sharing information she appeared to regret disclosing,” Brewer said.
From Los Angeles Times
The city is seeking receivership. for the trust’s 29 distressed buildings.
From Los Angeles Times
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
