How to Pronounce Distressed

To pronounce "distressed", say DISTR-ess-ed — 3 syllables, IPA /dɪˈstɹɛst/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

distressed

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Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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3

Syllables

10

Letters

/dɪˈstɹɛst/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “distressed”

"distressed" has 3 syllables: distr-ess-ed. It rhymes with manifest and crest, if that helps it stick.

What does distressed mean?

verb

  1. To cause strain or anxiety to someone.
  2. To retain someone’s property against the payment of a debt; to distrain.

adjective

  1. Anxious or uneasy

    “I'm distressed that John hasn't answered my calls. I hope nothing bad happened to him on the way here.”

  2. (of merchandise, etc.) damaged

Synonyms

ageantiquepatinateanguishharrowmartyrtantalisetantalize

Hear “distressed” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with distressed

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

manifestcrestdetestjestimpressedacquiescedrestchestarrestbequestrequestabreast

Related words

troubledworriedupsetstressedhard-pressedunhappydisturbeddysphoric

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "distressed"?▾

"Distressed" has 3 syllables: distr · ess · ed.

What is the IPA transcription of "distressed"?▾

The IPA transcription of "distressed" is /dɪˈstɹɛst/.

What does "distressed" mean?▾

Distressed: To cause strain or anxiety to someone.

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