sobering

1 of 2

adjective

so·​ber·​ing ˈsō-b(ə-)riŋ 

: tending to make one thoughtful or sober

sobering

2 of 2

present participle of sober entry 2

Examples of sobering in a Sentence

Adjective

His death is a sobering reminder of the dangers of mountaineering.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

How to lower your wildfire risk These projections are sobering, but actual losses will depend partly on the choices people make now. — Virginia Iglesias, The Conversation, 3 Nov. 2026

The most sobering reality check on Beirut City Pop brings the conflict into stark relief. — Shy Clara Thompson, Pitchfork, 23 Oct. 2026

Survivors shouldn’t have to choose between staying in school and reporting, but the research tells a sobering story about what reporting actually costs students. — Mary Beth Canty, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026

There have been several studies into this problem with sobering findings. — Jeff Wagner, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1816, in the meaning defined above