alarmant

Alarmant is an adjective used in Dutch and German to describe something that causes alarm or warrants concern. In both languages, it can be translated as alarming or worrisome in English and is commonly employed in journalism, statistics, public policy, and scientific reporting to characterize trends, data, or events that merit attention.

Etymology and usage patterns: The word is formed from the noun alarm or the verb alarmeren (to alarm) with the adjectival suffix -ant. In Dutch, it is used with nouns to form phrases such as alarmante situatie or alarmante cijfers, and it can appear in predicative or attributive position. In German, alarmant is used similarly to indicate a situation or development that is troubling or demands immediate attention, as in eine alarmante Entwicklung.

Nuance and register: Alarmant is typically a descriptive term rather than a value judgment, signaling that a situation appears serious and worthy of scrutiny. Depending on context and tone, it can carry a neutral, cautionary, or even urgent connotation. It is common in reports, official statements, and analysis, where researchers and policymakers want to flag potential risks without asserting ethical or moral conclusions.

Translations and related terms: In English, the closest equivalent is alarming. In German, related forms include alarmierend and alarmant, while Dutch usage also intersects with terms like alarmerend in everyday speech. See also alarm, alarm system, and the broader discourse on risk assessment.