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 of worrisome

• disturbing
• unsettling
• troubling
• frightening

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

In other words, this is a survey of seasoned operators, which makes their concerns even more worrisome. — Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026

Even more worrisome is the fact that Wi-Fi devices are quite literally everywhere. — New Atlas, 26 Aug. 2026

Losing Buxton again with only 29 games remaining would be worrisome for the Twins, who are hanging on the edge of the American League wild-card race. — Dan Hayes, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026

But a week ago the Panthers felt like a worrisome bunch, one that got outplayed in an embarrassing 29-14 exhibition loss to Buffalo. — Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 22 Aug. 2026

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