C1noun 10K+

Distress

🇬🇧 UK //dɪsˈtrɛs// 🇺🇸 US //dɪsˈtrɛs//

Meaning of Distress

A state of emotional suffering or pain.

In simple words: Great worry or suffering.

Distress in a sentence

• The news caused her great distress.
• He felt a sense of distress when he heard the bad report.
• Mental distress can have serious consequences if not addressed.
• Animals in distress need immediate help.
• The witness spoke about the distress she experienced after the event.

How to use Distress

Use 'distress' to describe emotional pain or anxiety. Avoid informal contexts; 'distress' fits well in psychological or medical discussions.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Distress sounds like 'dis' + 'stress' - imagine stress going wrong.

Related words

Collocations with Distress

• emotional distress
• signs of distress
• in distress
• cause distress
• face distress

Synonyms for Distress

• suffering
• anguish
• torment
• pain
• anxiety

Opposites of Distress

• comfort
• relief
• ease

Common mistakes with Distress

• Confused with 'stress' - 'distress' is more intense and negative.
• Used incorrectly in the plural form - 'distress' is usually uncountable.
• Misinterpreted as physical pain - it primarily refers to emotional suffering.

Frequently asked questions about Distress

What does Distress mean?

Great worry or suffering.

What is the definition of Distress?

A state of emotional suffering or pain.

How do you use Distress in a sentence?

The news caused her great distress.

Can you give another example of Distress?

He felt a sense of distress when he heard the bad report.

What are synonyms for Distress?

Common alternatives include suffering, anguish, torment, pain, anxiety.

What is the opposite of Distress?

Opposite meanings include comfort, relief, ease.

What words go with Distress?

It commonly pairs with emotional distress, signs of distress, in distress, cause distress, face distress.

What are common mistakes when using Distress?

Confused with 'stress' - 'distress' is more intense and negative. Used incorrectly in the plural form - 'distress' is usually uncountable. Misinterpreted as physical pain - it primarily refers to emotional suffering.

How do you pronounce Distress?

US: //dɪsˈtrɛs//, UK: //dɪsˈtrɛs//. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Distress?

Use 'distress' to describe emotional pain or anxiety. Avoid informal contexts; 'distress' fits well in psychological or medical discussions.

What CEFR level is Distress?

"Distress" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.