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
The bright blue color adds a pop to any space, while the distressed wood offers a look that feels like it’s been passed down through generations.
—
Jacqueline Tempera, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Feb. 2026
The City Council voted unanimously in October to declare the city financially distressed and apply for state relief.
—Evy Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026
Performance Rug Messes are inevitable — that’s why this traditional rug with a distressed pattern is ideal for busy homes with kids and pets.
—Jacquelyn McGilvray, PEOPLE, 30 Jan. 2026
In the months leading up to Wednesday’s agreement, Brink said, tenants led a march to Raytown City Hall, showed up en masse to residents’ eviction court hearings and invited Congressman Emanuel Cleaver to tour distressed units within the building.
—Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for distressed
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Jacqueline Tempera, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Feb. 2026
The City Council voted unanimously in October to declare the city financially distressed and apply for state relief.
—Evy Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026
Performance Rug Messes are inevitable — that’s why this traditional rug with a distressed pattern is ideal for busy homes with kids and pets.
—Jacquelyn McGilvray, PEOPLE, 30 Jan. 2026
In the months leading up to Wednesday’s agreement, Brink said, tenants led a march to Raytown City Hall, showed up en masse to residents’ eviction court hearings and invited Congressman Emanuel Cleaver to tour distressed units within the building.
—Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 30 Jan. 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 11 Feb. 2026.
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