How to pronounce distressing
Say it like dih-STRES-ing. Distressing has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (STRES).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce distressing. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- dih
- STRES
- ing
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Distressing pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- dihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- STRESSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- ingKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of distressing
American and British speakers say distressing in essentially the same way: /dɪˈstrɛsɪŋ/ in the US and /dɪˈstrɛsɪŋ/ in the UK.
British respelling: dih-STRES-ing.
What does distressing mean?
- Causing distress; upsetting; distressful.“The details of the ordeal can be distressing to some readers.”
- present participle and gerund of distress How to pronounce distress
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with distressing
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of distressing.
Questions about saying distressing
How do you pronounce distressing?
Say dih-STRES-ing. The American pronunciation is /dɪˈstrɛsɪŋ/. In British English it is /dɪˈstrɛsɪŋ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in distressing?
Distressing has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (STRES). Broken into parts: dih · STRES · ing.
Do Americans and Brits say distressing the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /dɪˈstrɛsɪŋ/ and the British form is /dɪˈstrɛsɪŋ/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.