What does worryingly mean?
Worryingly is an adverb meaning in a way that causes concern or alarm, especially when something is more serious, rapid, close, or alarming than expected. It is often used with statistics, trends, comparisons, and descriptions of change: a rate may be worryingly high, a gap worryingly wide, or a result worryingly similar to an earlier one. The word can convey both objective alarm and a sense that a development deserves attention. In a less common usage, it describes someone acting with anxiety or unease. Worryingly is especially useful because it goes beyond simply saying that something is worrying: it highlights the troubling manner or degree of the concern. Its familiar alternatives include alarmingly and distressingly, while reassuringly provides a direct contrast. The word is well established in both British and American English.
adverbIn a way that causes anxiety or concern, often more strongly or alarmingly than expected. It can also describe an action performed with worry or unease.
- In a way that causes concern or alarm, especially more than expected.
- With a feeling of anxiety or unease.
"The number of cases has risen worryingly fast."
"The results were worryingly similar to those from the previous trial."
"She glanced at the darkened sky, worryingly."
Add -ly to worry and a statistic becomes a warning sign: worryingly high, worryingly close, worryingly familiar.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does worryingly come from?
Worryingly is formed in modern English by adding the adverbial suffix -ly to the present participle worrying. Its base word, worry, derives from Old English wyrgan, originally associated with harassment, conflict, or torment and later developing toward the modern sense of anxiety and concern. Related forms such as worried and worrisome continue this English lineage.
How worryingly is actually used
The word is common in formal and informal English in British and American usage. It often implies that a development is not merely concerning but is unusually serious, rapid, close, or difficult to control. When it means “with anxiety,” it is less common and can sound slightly literary or emotionally emphatic.
Easily confused with worryingly
Worryingly is an adverb describing the manner of an action or circumstance, whereas worrying is usually an adjective describing something that causes concern.