troublingdiscrepancy
nounUK /ˈtrʌblɪŋ dɪsˈkrɛpənsi/
US /ˈtrʌblɪŋ dɪsˈkrɛpənsi/
A troubling discrepancy is a difference between two things that makes you feel worried because they should match.
The teacher noticed a troubling discrepancy between the number of students in class and the number of test papers turned in.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A difference in numbers that suggests a mistake or a problem.
The auditor found a troubling discrepancy in the company's financial records.
3. A disagreement between two accounts of the same event that causes concern.
There was a troubling discrepancy between the two witnesses' stories.
4. A gap between what is expected and what actually happens that worries people.
Parents raised concerns about a troubling discrepancy between the school's promised services and what students received.