worrisome
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /wˈʌrisˌʌm/
US
- /ˈwɜrisəm/
Description
- causing worry
- troubling
- concerning
Imagine a little bird with a broken wing - that is worrisome. It fills you with concern because something is clearly not right and could get worse. Anything that makes you feel uneasy or concerned can be described this way. A sudden, unexplained noise in the night? Worrisome. A friend who has been unusually quiet? Definitely worrisome. The word suggests a situation that needs attention, even if you do not know exactly what to do yet. It is more than just annoying; it suggests that something may be wrong.
The word "worrisome" describes something that causes worry, anxiety, or concern. It goes beyond simple annoyance and suggests a feeling of unease about a possible problem. Think of it as a gentle alarm bell ringing in your mind, showing that something is not quite right and deserves your attention.
"Worrisome" can describe situations, events, or even people. A worrisome trend might be rising unemployment rates. A worrisome symptom could be a persistent cough. And a worrisome silence from a loved one after an important event would naturally cause you to fret.
The word often carries a sense of helplessness - the feeling that you cannot fully control the situation causing your worry. For example, "The stormy weather was worrisome for the sailors." Or, "Her declining health became increasingly worrisome to her family." It is not necessarily about fear (though fear can be part of it), but more about a nagging sense that something may get worse and a wish for things to improve.
You might say something is "a cause for worry," or that it's "worrisome news." The word subtly suggests a need for vigilance, care, and perhaps even intervention. It's a quiet signal that something needs your attention before it potentially escalates into something more serious.
Examples
- 1
Medical concern
A high fever in a baby can be worrisome.
- 2
Digital messages
The long silence after my email was starting to feel worrisome.
- 3
Company problem
It's worrisome that the company still hasn't fixed the problem.
Pattern
it's worrisome that ...
this fact or situation gives a reason to worry
- 4
Medical results
Doctors said the scan showed no worrisome changes.
- 5
Investor reaction
Investors found the sudden drop in sales worrisome.
Pattern
find + something + worrisome
think it is a reason to worry
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- worrisomeadjective