in distress
idiom
1
: very upset
He was clearly in distress upon hearing the news.
2
: in a very difficult situation in which one does not have enough money, food, etc.
She's chosen to devote her life to helping those in distress.
3
of a boat, airplane, etc.
: in a state of danger or desperate need
The ship was in distress.
Examples of in distress in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Anyone who sees an animal in distress should call or text the center’s marine team at (310) 924-7256.
—
Marlene Lenthang, NBC News, 24 Feb. 2025
Specifically, young adults should learn that attachment styles are contextual, become insecure in distress, and affect the perception of soulmates.
—Eric Wood, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025
Although no penalty was called on Zegras, Rasmussen exited the game in distress and did not return.
—Andrew Knoll, Orange County Register, 24 Feb. 2025
Their days are taken up with shooting practice, lobster racing, pelting men with fruit, and slipping poison into unattended cups of tea—and best of all, there isn’t a damsel in distress in sight.
—Radhika Seth, Vogue, 9 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for in distress
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Marlene Lenthang, NBC News, 24 Feb. 2025
Specifically, young adults should learn that attachment styles are contextual, become insecure in distress, and affect the perception of soulmates.
—Eric Wood, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025
Although no penalty was called on Zegras, Rasmussen exited the game in distress and did not return.
—Andrew Knoll, Orange County Register, 24 Feb. 2025
Their days are taken up with shooting practice, lobster racing, pelting men with fruit, and slipping poison into unattended cups of tea—and best of all, there isn’t a damsel in distress in sight.
—Radhika Seth, Vogue, 9 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for in distress
Cite this Entry
“In distress.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20distress. Accessed 18 Mar. 2025.
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