alarming
adjective C1
Plain meaning
worrying because it suggests danger or a serious problem
Exam-register meaning
causing concern due to the scale, speed, or seriousness of a situation
In context
naturalThe number of road accidents is alarming.
examThe alarming rise in childhood obesity has become a major public health concern.
Common collocations
alarming increasealarming trendalarming rate
Watch out
Avoid overusing “alarming” for small issues; it suggests serious concern.
Word family