worrisome

adjective

wor·​ri·​some ˈwər-ē-səm 

ˈwə-rē-

1

: causing distress or worry

worrisome news

2

: inclined to worry or fret

investors feeling worrisome

worrisomely adverb

worrisomeness noun

Synonyms of worrisome

• disturbing
• unsettling
• troubling
• frightening

Examples of worrisome in a Sentence

There is the worrisome possibility of hurricane damage on the coast.

the patient's erratic behavior has become increasingly worrisome

Recent Examples on the Web

These events, along with floods, drought and late-spring frosts are all worrisome and can adversely affect crops throughout the year. — ABC News, 8 July 2026

This medical neglect is particularly worrisome amid a record-high numbers of deaths occurring across ICE’s detention system. — Brady Tillett, Twin Cities, 7 July 2026

There are still other worrisome cost drivers, including higher healthcare costs for university employees and inflationary pressures on payroll and operations expenses. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 6 July 2026

If Citi is right, that has worrisome implications for hyperscalers’ data center budgets and for consumer electronics, with Apple already raising iPad and Mac prices due to memory costs. — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 6 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1833, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

worrisome

adjective

wor·​ri·​some ˈwər-ē-səm 

ˈwə-rē-

1

: causing worry

worrisome news

2

: given to worrying

worrisome parents