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
Witnesses said a family friend and the 12-year-old girl waded into the water without life jackets when the girl was seen flailing her arms and in distress, deputies said.
—
Kate Linderman, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2025
To report wildlife in distress, contact the park office at 949-923-2240.
—Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 24 July 2025
Rescuers focus on helping hikers in distress, not questioning them about their credentials.
—John Meyer, Denver Post, 24 July 2025
As an associate naturalist technician for the Service’s Wildlife Division, Borell was often called in to deal with crises and other matters, and, on that day, had received a report about birds in distress.
—Ian Rose, JSTOR Daily, 23 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for in distress
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Kate Linderman, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2025
To report wildlife in distress, contact the park office at 949-923-2240.
—Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 24 July 2025
Rescuers focus on helping hikers in distress, not questioning them about their credentials.
—John Meyer, Denver Post, 24 July 2025
As an associate naturalist technician for the Service’s Wildlife Division, Borell was often called in to deal with crises and other matters, and, on that day, had received a report about birds in distress.
—Ian Rose, JSTOR Daily, 23 July 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 29 Jul. 2025.
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