What does alarmingly mean?
"Alarmingly" is an adverb used to indicate that something happens, rises, falls, or exists to a degree that causes alarm or serious concern. It typically modifies adjectives (an alarmingly high rate), nouns of quantity (alarmingly few options), or verbs (the situation worsened alarmingly). The word almost always carries a negative connotation: it frames whatever it describes as dangerous, excessive, disturbing, or moving too quickly for comfort. Derived from "alarm," which traces back through Old Italian "all'arme!" — a cry to take up weapons — it retains that sense of urgent warning. It appears frequently in journalism, scientific reporting, and public-health or economic commentary, where writers need to signal that a trend demands attention. Related forms include the adjective "alarming" and the noun "alarm." Because it implies judgment about severity, it is best reserved for situations genuinely warranting concern rather than mild inconvenience.
adverbIn a way that causes alarm or worry; to a degree that is frightening, disturbing, or dangerously noticeable.
- Used to modify adjectives or quantities: to a degree that causes alarm (e.g. alarmingly high prices).
- Used to modify verbs: in a manner that causes alarm (e.g. the situation deteriorated alarmingly).
"The glacier has been retreating at an alarmingly rapid pace."
"Unemployment figures have risen alarmingly over the past quarter."
"The child's temperature climbed alarmingly during the night."
The word "alarm" comes from the Italian battle cry "all'arme!" — literally "to arms!" — so when figures rise alarmingly, the word is still shouting an old call to battle.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of alarmingly
"Alarmingly" derives from "alarm," which entered English in the late Middle Ages from Old Italian "all'arme!" meaning "to arms!" — a military call to action. The word passed through French before settling into English as both noun and verb, and the adjective "alarming" and adverb "alarmingly" developed from it in later centuries. Cognates and relatives include "alarmist" and the related Romance forms of the same Italian root.
Related word forms
How alarmingly is actually used
Almost always carries negative connotation — it signals that something is worse, faster, higher, or more widespread than is comfortable or safe. Common in journalism and formal reporting; slightly dramatic in casual speech.
Easily confused with alarmingly
"Alarming" is the adjective describing something that causes alarm, while "alarmingly" is the adverb describing how something happens or how great a quantity is.