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worrisome

adjective

wor·​ri·​some ˈwər-ē-səm How to pronounce worrisome (audio)
ˈwə-rē-
1
: causing distress or worry
worrisome news
2
: inclined to worry or fret
investors feeling worrisome
worrisomely adverb
worrisomeness noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
For a man of his era—always a worrisome qualification—Dante seems remarkably free of prejudice against the Jewish people and religion, and there is a panoply of Old Testament figures in Paradise. Claudia Roth Pierpont, New Yorker, 24 Nov. 2025 Duffy had said worrisome safety data showed the move was necessary to ease pressure on the aviation system and help manage worsening staffing shortages at air traffic control facilities as the shutdown entered its second month and flight disruptions began to pile up. CBS News, 17 Nov. 2025 The Oedipal undertone of Leonora’s explanation—that his room used to be a nursery—is more worrisome still. Literary Hub, 17 Nov. 2025 In fact, Thanksgiving, along with Christmas and New Year’s Day, all see an uptick in those dangerous driving habits, but the fourth Thursday of November, when so many families travel long distances to gather together over turkey, stuffing or maybe mac and cheese, sees the most worrisome surge. Eric D. Lawrence, USA Today, 11 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for worrisome

Word History

First Known Use

1833, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of worrisome was in 1833

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Cite this Entry

“Worrisome.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/worrisome. Accessed 27 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

worrisome

adjective
wor·​ri·​some ˈwər-ē-səm How to pronounce worrisome (audio)
ˈwə-rē-
1
: causing worry
worrisome news
2
: given to worrying
worrisome parents

More from Merriam-Webster on worrisome

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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