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

Those numbers are not worrisome yet but indicate that some are in financial distress. — Jill Schlesinger, Mercury News, 15 June 2026

The United States has long been the world’s largest arms exporter, and a worrisome order backlog has accrued for the country’s weapons. — Editorial Board, Washington Post, 17 June 2026

Why is an addiction to ultraprocessed foods worrisome? — Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 17 June 2026

The American defenders, who can be a worrisome bunch, missed assignments on Paraguay’s lone goal in the second half. — Filip Bondy, New York Daily News, 13 June 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