alarmingdifference

noun

UK /əˈlɑː.mɪŋ ˈdɪf.ər.əns/

US /əˈlɑːr.mɪŋ ˈdɪf.ɚ.əns/

A difference that makes you feel worried or scared.

There was an alarming difference between the two test scores.

SYNONYMS

worrying gap frightening contrast startling disparity scary variation

RELATED WORDS

contrast disparity gap variation inequality

OTHER MEANINGS

2. A change that is big enough to cause concern.

The alarming difference in temperature worried the farmers.

3. A gap between things that seems dangerously large.

The alarming difference in wealth split the town in two.

4. A contrast that surprises people in a bad way.

The alarming difference between the twins' behavior shocked their teacher.