Distress (noun)

1. A state of great unhappiness, anxiety, or suffering.
2. A situation or circumstances that cause such a state.

Origin:

From old french desstresse, from des- ("not") + estrée ("rest, ease"), from latin strāta ("road"), from strātus ("spread, stretched out"), perfect passive participle of sternere ("to spread out, stretch").

Examples:

1. She was in a state of distress after her dog died.
2. The news of his death caused her great distress.
3. The ship was in distress and needed to be rescued.
4. The refugees were in a state of distress after losing their homes and possessions.
5. The company was in financial distress and had to declare bankruptcy.