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Definition of alarming

alarming

/əˈlɑːr.mɪŋ/
a · larm · ing
Adverb:alarmingly
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alarming Lexical Profile

alarming Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Worrying or disturbing; causing a sudden sense of fear, anxiety, or danger.

Example

"The rainforest is disappearing at an alarming rate due to widespread deforestation."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for alarming

• Nearby Words

alarm
alarmed
alarmedly
alarming
alarmingly
alarmism
alarmist

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed from the verb 'alarm' and the participial suffix '-ing'. The root word 'alarm' derives via Old French from the Italian military call 'all'arme', meaning literally 'to the arms' (weapons).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Alarming. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/alarming
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