MODERATE - When referring to a symptom such as pain, "moderate" pain is clearly noticeable and bothersome. A person suffering from moderate pain cannot be easily distracted from experiencing the pain. On the classic 1-10 pain scale, "moderate" pain scores range from 5 to 6. A moderate symptom might result in a worsening of illness if not relieved. Moderate conditions are likely to be gradual in onset and are unlikely to be life or limb threatening.