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

While the bulk of the research centers on macroeconomic issues and the constriction in the major studio space, the study also provides a sobering look at what ails the indie film sector. — Brent Lang, IndieWire, 19 Aug. 2026

The most sobering revelation, however, comes from my body-composition scan. — Ken Gawrych, Robb Report, 16 Aug. 2026

Our research addressed this question, and our conclusions are sobering. — Andrew Moshirnia, The Conversation, 12 Aug. 2026

But this recent slide has been sobering, with virtually all bats going cold at once. — Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1816, in the meaning defined above