distressed

adjective

dis·​tressed di-ˈstrest How to pronounce distressed (audio)
: of, relating to, or experiencing economic decline or difficulty
federal grants for distressed cities

Examples of distressed in a Sentence

She felt emotionally and physically distressed. The government provided funds to the economically distressed city. Donations were given to financially distressed families.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The couple moved to South Florida in 2009 and invested heavily in distressed real estate, acquiring around 35 properties across the region. Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 28 July 2025 Fortunately, the sensors captured the distressed driver and vehicle, and an emergency request was transmitted. Dr. Jonathan Reichental, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025 Rather than do any conventional detective work, however, Doyle conducted a séance to try and contact Christie’s distressed spirit. Emily Zarevich, JSTOR Daily, 24 July 2025 This Amazon option has pleats and a wide-leg design that allow for plenty of airflow and give off a dressier appearance than, say, distressed denim. Nicol Natale, People.com, 23 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for distressed

Word History

First Known Use

1613, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of distressed was in 1613

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Cite this Entry

“Distressed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/distressed. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

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