a disturbing amount of crime.
a lamentable decision.
a new and troubling thought.
a revelation that was most perturbing.
a sorry state of affairs.
a worrying situation.
a worrying time.
distressing (or disturbing) news.
her clothes were in sad shape.
in a particularly worrisome predicament.
lived in heroic if something distressful isolation.
my finances were in a deplorable state.