distressed

/dəˈstrɛst/

/dɪˈstrɛst/

Other forms: distressedly

Distressed is an adjective that describes a general feeling of unhappiness, like the distressed feeling you have when your team is about to lose the big game.

Distressed can also describe feeling stressed out and tired because of worry. You feel worn out and pulled in different directions — which rings true to the word's origin: the Latin word districtus, meaning "drawn apart." Being distressed physically means your body is injured and hurts, and if you've ever seen jeans called "distressed," you know they've been made to look worn and possibly even falling apart.

Definitions of distressed

1. adjective

   generalized feeling of distress
   synonyms: dysphoric, unhappy

   dejected

   affected or marked by low spirits

   unhappy

   experiencing or marked by or causing sadness or sorrow or discontent
2. adjective

   afflicted with or marked by anxious uneasiness or trouble or grief
   “distressed about her son's leaving home”

   synonyms: consternated, disquieted, disturbed, harrowed, upset, worried

   troubled

   characterized by or indicative of distress or affliction or danger or need
3. adjective

   suffering severe physical strain or distress
   “he dropped out of the race, clearly distressed and having difficulty breathing”

   synonyms: stressed

   troubled

   characterized by or indicative of distress or affliction or danger or need
4. adjective

   facing or experiencing financial trouble or difficulty
   “distressed companies need loans and technical advice”

   synonyms: hard put, hard-pressed, in a bad way

   troubled

   characterized by or indicative of distress or affliction or danger or need