alarmingly
alarmingly — adverb
1. to an extent, or happening in such a manner, that people feel worried or concern
to an extent, or happening in such a manner, that people feel worried or concerned — used especially when numbers, levels, or conditions are changing rapidly and negatively
The number of stray dogs in Hanoi grew alarmingly after the floods.
verb + alarmingly: grew alarmingly
Global temperatures have been rising alarmingly over the past twenty years.
verb phrase + alarmingly: have been rising alarmingly
Dr. Okonkwo found that his patients’ wait times were alarmingly long.
Rents near the new train station rose alarmingly, forcing young families to move.
- worryingly
more neutral and slightly less intense than alarmingly
- disturbingly
emphasizes emotional discomfort rather than fear
- concerningly
more formal, common in official reports
- reassuringly
opposite effect — makes people feel calm instead of worried
文法句型
verb + alarmingly
alarmingly + adjective
用法筆記
Often appears in news reports and formal writing about negative trends in statistics, environment, or social conditions. Frequently used with verbs of change such as rise, grow, increase, drop, or dwindle.
常見錯誤
❗ 'The news sounds alarmingly.' ✅ 'The news sounds alarming.' — linking verbs (sound, look, feel, seem) take an adjective (alarming), not an adverb (alarmingly).