worrisome
UK: ˈwʌr.i.səm | US: ˈwɝː.i.səm
adj. causing worry or anxiety
adj. inclined to worry
The word "worrisome" combines "worry," derived from Old English wyrgan (to strangle or harass), with the suffix "-some," meaning "tending to" or "characterized by." Over time, "worry" evolved to signify mental distress, and "-some" (from Old English -sum) became a productive suffix for forming adjectives. Thus, "worrisome" literally means "tending to cause worry" or "characterized by worry."
The patient's persistent cough was worrisome to the doctor.
She gave him a worrisome glance when he mentioned the financial loss.
The dark clouds ahead looked worrisome for our picnic plans.
His silence during the meeting was particularly worrisome.
The rise in pollution levels is a worrisome trend for urban areas.