sobering

[ soh-ber-ing ]

adjective

1. serious, grave, or solemn:

   One of the most sobering visits was to the cemetery at Omaha Beach where 18,000 American servicemen lie buried.

   The agency has issued a sobering warning about the health of the world's oceans.

Other Words From

• so·ber·ing·ly adverb
• non·so·ber·ing adjective
• un·so·ber·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of sobering¹

sober ( def ) + -ing ²( def )

Example Sentences

A sobering independent review two months later determined there was “near zero probability” of Mars Sample Return making its proposed 2028 launch date, and “no credible” way to fulfill the mission within its current budget.

From Los Angeles Times

“In these sobering times with looming threats to environmental protections and women’s equality, it is refreshing to see the entertainment industry’s recognition of intimacy coordinators and their important contribution to productions and to performers in intimate scenes,” SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher said in a statement.

From Los Angeles Times

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz returned to his home state to offer a sobering message about his election loss.

From Salon

But whichever direction you find yourself pointing your finger, the underlying reality is ice-cold and extremely sobering.

From Slate

His behaviour is a sobering reminder that entitlement and impunity may be more deeply embedded in Nigerian culture than generational change alone can address.

From BBC

Related Words

• dangerous
• deep
• difficult
• far-reaching
• grievous
• important
• major
• meaningful
• severe
• significant
• tough
• urgent