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

More worrisome is whether the Dolphins have a single long-term starter on their defensive line. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 14 Sep. 2026

Kanter, who also played for the Portland Trail Blazers, Oklahoma City Thunder and Utah Jazz, contends his ticket arrangement wasn’t unusual or worrisome. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 14 Sep. 2026

But the available data paint a worrisome picture of thwarted learning. — Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026

But for the Fed, the most worrisome aspect of August’s inflation report is likely the evidence that inflation has spread beyond the pump. — Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 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