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

The statistics are sobering — so sobering that Defense Department officials refuse to confirm, deny or discuss them. — Doyle McManus, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026

Quite the sobering commentary on society, but the next WNBA commissioner must understand the high-wire act of being in charge while combating the perception of not being warm enough. — Candace Buckner, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2026

There are some more sobering contributing factors as well, per Wakeman. — Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 3 Sep. 2026

The National Institutes of Health found a 121% increase in adolescent overdose deaths between 2010 and 2021, a sobering reminder of the impact on schools. — Nathalia Fernandez, New York Daily News, 31 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1816, in the meaning defined above