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Synonyms for Distressing (same or very similar meaning)

WordNet sense 1 (causing distress or worry or anxiety):
distressful, disturbing, worrisome, perturbing, troubling, worrying

WordNet sense 2 (marked by great psychological weight; weighted down especially with sadness or troubles or weariness):
heavy

WordNet sense 3 (bad; unfortunate):
deplorable, lamentable, pitiful, sad, sorry

WordNet sense 4 (having undesirable or negative qualities):
bad


From the ODE community, based on WordNetadd/edit