worrisome

adjective

wor·​ri·​some ˈwər-ē-səm 

ˈwə-rē-

1

: causing distress or worry

worrisome news

2

: inclined to worry or fret

investors feeling worrisome

worrisomely adverb

worrisomeness noun

Synonyms

• discomforting
• discomposing
• disquieting
• distressing
• disturbing
• nagging
• nasty
• perturbing
• troublesome
• troubling
• troublous
• unsettling
• upsetting

Examples of worrisome in a Sentence

There is the worrisome possibility of hurricane damage on the coast.

the patient's erratic behavior has become increasingly worrisome

Recent Examples on the Web

Still, trailing by 20-plus in two games against non-tournament teams is a worrisome sign long-term, even with the massive comeback at Northwestern. —Jim Root, The Athletic, 20 Feb. 2025

And then there are Amazon’s worrisome clashes with Broccoli and Wilson. —James Hibberd, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Feb. 2025

Last month, the company’s second-quarter results topped expectations, while management offered reassuring commentary on the worrisome medical-cost trends that torpedoed its stock price in mid-June . —Paulina Likos, CNBC, 18 Feb. 2025

But the outbreak has passed worrisome milestones in recent weeks. —Carl Zimmer, New York Times, 17 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1833, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

worrisome

adjective

wor·​ri·​some ˈwər-ē-səm 

ˈwə-rē-

1

: causing worry

worrisome news

2

: given to worrying

worrisome parents