A "sobering report" means a piece of information or document that brings about a serious or solemn feeling. It often reveals unsettling or harsh realities that might make someone feel concerned or thoughtful. Full definition
This debate has made an unwelcome return in the wake of the partial and partisan but still sobering report from the Senate Intelligence Committee. (firstthings.com)
Linda Geddes's sobering report about the reliability of forensic evidence highlights an important scientific issue: the need to establish error... (newscientist.com)
A year ago, Samsung announced that it would cut phone production by up to 30 % after sobering reports that sales had tumbled 60 % between 2013 and 2014. (neowin.net)