alarming

adjective

alarm·​ing ə-ˈlär-miŋ How to pronounce alarming (audio)
: causing people to feel danger or alarm or to be worried or frightened
alarming news
The statistics revealed an alarming increase in childhood obesity.
alarmingly
ə-ˈlär-miŋ-lē
adverb
an alarmingly high rate of infection

Examples of alarming in a Sentence

an alarming rise in her fever, causing the doctor to fear the worst
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.
What’s perhaps more alarming is that this quantity-over-quality ethos has bled into Swift’s new studio albums. Tyler Foggatt, New Yorker, 8 June 2025 This form is less common and can be more alarming in appearance, as the detachment begins in an area that typically remains firmly attached. Brandi Jones, Health, 7 June 2025 While sparring with o4-mini was thrilling, its progress was also alarming. Lyndie Chiou, Scientific American, 6 June 2025 The same can be said of the Pacers, who are stockpiling shocking comeback victories at an alarming rate. Joe Vardon, New York Times, 6 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for alarming

Word History

Etymology

from present participle of alarm entry 2

First Known Use

1658, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of alarming was in 1658

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Cite this Entry

“Alarming.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alarming. Accessed 14 Jun. 2025.

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