1. the quality or state of causing worry, suffering, or anguish
Usage: abstract noun; typically uncountable

Examples

• The distressfulness of the situation became clear when families were separated.
• She spoke about the distressfulness of living with chronic pain.
• The distressfulness of the news left everyone in shock.
• He underestimated the distressfulness of the decision he had to make.
• The distressfulness of poverty affects millions worldwide.
• The distressfulness of the accident haunted the survivors for years.