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.
They shouldn’t be used with high-risk patients or those with alarming symptoms. Elizabeth Yuko, Health, 5 Nov. 2024 No dressing gown and Uggs for you, no zit stickers and alarming hair in a scrunchie. Daisy Jones, Glamour, 4 Nov. 2024 Advertisement Despite these alarming numbers, some law enforcement leaders say the raids are barely slowing the black market — which, according to a study by Beau Whitney, founder of cannabis economics research firm Whitney Economics, makes up more than half the state’s marijuana sales. Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2024 Watching the original, two-story Anthony’s location, just off California Street along downtown’s 16th Street Mall, close during the pandemic also reminded him of the alarming challenges restaurateurs were facing. John Wenzel, The Denver Post, 22 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near alarming

Cite this Entry

“Alarming.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alarming. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

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