distressed
adjective
dis·tressed
di-ˈstrest 
: of, relating to, or experiencing economic decline or difficulty
federal grants for distressed cities
Examples of distressed in a Sentence
She felt emotionally and physically distressed.
The government provided funds to the economically distressed city.
Donations were given to financially distressed families.
Recent Examples on the Web
These sandals feature large, stylish statement buckles and two leather straps that have a slightly distressed look.
—
Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 5 May 2026
There were distressed jeans, and cargo jeans, and jeans studded with pearls and rhinestones.
—Anna Wiener, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
Our audit revealed issues with landlords charging higher rents, uninhabitable conditions and financially distressed properties.
—Teresa Liu, Daily News, 4 May 2026
Legislators decided to pour extra money into the towns this year that includes an additional $180 million for education and an additional $100 million to help distressed cities and towns.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 3 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for distressed
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.
Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 5 May 2026
There were distressed jeans, and cargo jeans, and jeans studded with pearls and rhinestones.
—Anna Wiener, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
Our audit revealed issues with landlords charging higher rents, uninhabitable conditions and financially distressed properties.
—Teresa Liu, Daily News, 4 May 2026
Legislators decided to pour extra money into the towns this year that includes an additional $180 million for education and an additional $100 million to help distressed cities and towns.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 3 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for distressed
Cite this Entry
“Distressed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/distressed. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
