huolestuttavat

Huolestuttavat is a Finnish adjective formed from the verb huolestuttaa, meaning to cause worry. It is used to describe things that cause worry or concern, i.e., worrisome or alarming matters. The form can function as a present active participle used as an adjective, and in finite clauses it may appear as the third-person plural present tense of huolestuttaa, as in a clause where the subject causes worry.

As an attributive adjective before a plural noun, huolestuttavat modifies the noun phrase: huolestuttavat asiat (worrisome matters), huolestuttavat uutiset (worrisome news). The corresponding singular adjective is huolestuttava, and it can appear in predicative contexts as huolestuttava/huolestuttavaa, depending on sentence structure. The finite verb form appears in sentences such as Nämä uutiset huolestuttavat (These news items worry/are worrying).

Usage and nuance: huolestuttavat is commonly used in media, analysis, and everyday speech to indicate that something merits concern, without specifying a degree of fear. It sits between neutral, factual reporting and stronger emotions; synonyms such as ahdistavat (distressing) or pelottavat (frightening) carry stronger connotations.

Etymology and related forms: the word is derived from huoli (worry, concern) plus the causative verb huolestuttaa. Related forms include huolestuttava (worrisome) and phrases like huolestuttavat seikat (worrisome matters). The term is versatile for describing developments in health, economy, politics, or other domains where ongoing concern is warranted.