alarmingdevelopment
nounUK /əˈlɑː.mɪŋ dɪˈvel.əp.mənt/
US /əˈlɑːr.mɪŋ dɪˈvel.əp.mənt/
A new thing that happens and makes people feel worried or scared.
The sudden rise in the river was an alarming development for the nearby town.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A change in a situation that makes it worse and needs quick attention.
The broken bridge was an alarming development for the rescue team.
3. News that surprises people in a bad and scary way.
Hearing that the storm was coming closer was an alarming development.
4. A step forward in a plan that causes fear instead of hope.
The robot learning to open doors by itself was an alarming development for the scientists.