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

What makes the hormone worrisome is when it's released too often or for extended periods of time. —Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 25 Mar. 2025

Louisville head coach Pat Kelsey was called for a technical foul after screaming at an official, but that was the least worrisome incident. —Ryan Morik, Fox News, 20 Mar. 2025

But researchers have pointed to other, more worrisome reasons for the romance dip. —Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 10 Mar. 2025

The message is in contrast to the equivocal and worrisome responses from the new US health secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is a long-time anti-vaccine advocate. —Ars Technica, 7 Mar. 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