The difference between Distressing and Poignant

When used as adjectives, distressing means causing distress, whereas poignant means sharp-pointed.

check bellow for the other definitions of Distressing and Poignant

Distressing as an adjective:

Causing distress; upsetting.

Examples:

"The details of the ordeal can be distressing to some readers."

Poignant as an adjective (obsolete, of a weapon etc):

Sharp-pointed; keen.
Poignant as an adjective:

Incisive; penetrating.

Examples:

"His comments were poignant and witty."
Poignant as an adjective:

Neat; eloquent; applicable; relevant.

Examples:

"A poignant reply will garner more credence than hours of blown smoke."
Poignant as an adjective:

Evoking strong mental sensation, to the point of distress; emotionally moving.

Examples:

"Flipping through his high school yearbook evoked many a [[poignant]] memory of [[yesteryear]]."
Poignant as an adjective (figuratively, of a taste or smell):

Piquant, pungent.
Poignant as an adjective (figuratively, of a look, or of words):

Piercing.
Poignant as an adjective (dated, mostly British):

Inducing sharp physical pain.