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

The lack of emphasis on healthcare this election cycle is worrisome to clinicians who are witnessing the plethora of healthcare system struggles. —Adaira Landry, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024

What was once hidden in the darkest corners of the internet now seems quite easily accessible—and, equally worrisome, very difficult to stamp out. —Caroline Mimbs Nyce, The Atlantic, 18 Oct. 2024

And this cultural extortion, rooted in naïve ghetto socialism — a perversion of the civil-rights heritage — plants a worrisome notion. —Armond White, National Review, 11 Oct. 2024

The Black homeownership rate was even more worrisome at 36.6%, or 27.9 points below the rate for White households. —Dan Walters, The Mercury News, 26 Oct. 2024

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