worrisome

adjective

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

Synonyms of worrisome

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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
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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.
After a worrisome Wednesday, the Falcons responded with an encouraging Thursday in their joint practice session with the Colts at Grand Park Sports Campus, which hosted its last-ever training camp session on a steamy mid-August afternoon. — Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 21 Aug. 2026 Parmigiano Reggiano Consortium Not everyone sees the situation as worrisome. — Sylvie Bigar, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026 There’s nothing quite like the anxiety of visiting your doctor with a worrisome new symptom. — Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 14 Aug. 2026 Thomas Zordani flew from his home in Denver to Phoenix for a consultation with a Mayo Clinic neurosurgeon, hoping to find out what could be done to treat his debilitating headaches after worrisome brain scan findings. — Julie Appleby, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026 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

Browse Nearby Words

worriment
worrisome
worrit
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Worrisome.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/worrisome. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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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

Nglish: Translation of worrisome for Spanish Speakers

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