in distress
idiom
1
: very upset
He was clearly in distress upon hearing the news.
2
: in a very difficult situation in which one does not have enough money, food, etc.
She's chosen to devote her life to helping those in distress.
3
of a boat, airplane, etc.
: in a state of danger or desperate need
The ship was in distress.
Examples of in distress in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
A number of commercials ships have rescued people in distress on smaller vessels in the last several years.
—
Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 19 May 2025
North Metro Fire Rescue District spokesperson Sara Farris said firefighters were notified of an aircraft in distress at 10:02 a.m.
—Max Levy, Denver Post, 18 May 2025
Not for one second does Lepard’s script reduce Zephyr to a mere damsel in distress.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 17 May 2025
According to the psychologist, many popular screening and assessment tools include normal human distress, which often results in the misperception that every person in distress needs a mental health professional.
—Eric Wood, Forbes.com, 5 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for in distress
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Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 19 May 2025
North Metro Fire Rescue District spokesperson Sara Farris said firefighters were notified of an aircraft in distress at 10:02 a.m.
—Max Levy, Denver Post, 18 May 2025
Not for one second does Lepard’s script reduce Zephyr to a mere damsel in distress.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 17 May 2025
According to the psychologist, many popular screening and assessment tools include normal human distress, which often results in the misperception that every person in distress needs a mental health professional.
—Eric Wood, Forbes.com, 5 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for in distress
Cite this Entry
“In distress.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20distress. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
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