alarming

adjective

alarm·​ing ə-ˈlär-miŋ How to pronounce alarming (audio)
Synonyms of alarmingnext
: causing people to feel danger or alarm or to be worried or frightened
alarming news
The statistics revealed an alarming increase in childhood obesity.
alarmingly
ə-ˈlär-miŋ-lē
adverb
an alarmingly high rate of infection

Examples of alarming in a Sentence

an alarming rise in her fever, causing the doctor to fear the worst
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Friday's wobble doesn't yet suggest anything alarming in terms of market stress. Michael Santoli, CNBC, 12 Dec. 2025 The investigation has already highlighted shortcomings at the FAA, which failed to recognize an alarming number of close calls around Reagan National Airport in the years beforehand. Josh Funk, Fortune, 12 Dec. 2025 Stinky and unsightly fish kills have become a nearly annual occurrence, and the emerald sea grass that used to carpet much of the bay is vanishing at an alarming rate. Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 10 Dec. 2025 Recent data shows that older Americans are carrying more credit card debt, with the average balance reaching alarming levels. Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 10 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for alarming

Word History

Etymology

from present participle of alarm entry 2

First Known Use

1658, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of alarming was in 1658

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Alarming.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alarming. Accessed 21 Dec. 2025.

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