Troubled: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when someone is experiencing significant problems or concerns, often over an extended period.

• She looked deeply troubled after receiving the news.
• He is a troubled student with many issues.

Describes a state of extreme worry, sadness, or pain, often over a prolonged period or due to serious issues.

• He sounded very distressed on the phone.
• The distressed refugees sought help and shelter.

Refers to a general feeling of concern or anxiety about something specific or nonspecific, common in everyday situations.

• I'm worried about my health.
• He seemed worried about the upcoming meeting.

Describes a feeling of worry or unease about something with an uncertain outcome, often short-term.

• I'm anxious about my exam results.
• She felt anxious waiting for his call.

Indicates extreme emotional disturbance and confusion, often as a response to a severe or sudden event.

• She was distraught after losing her job.
• He was too distraught to speak after the accident.

Used for a mild to moderate level of disturbance or worry, often about something specific.

• She was perturbed by the strange noise coming from the basement.
• His colleagues were perturbed by his unusual behavior.

Used when referring to situations or individuals experiencing emotional or mental distress. Can also refer to areas or times of conflict and instability.

• He's a troubled teenager who needs help.
• The troubled region has seen years of violence.

Refers to situations or tasks that are hard to do, understand, or deal with. Can be neutral or slightly negative.

• It was a difficult decision to make.
• The project turned out to be more difficult than expected.

Used for situations, issues, or conditions that cause problems or are troublesome. Generally carries a negative connotation.

• His behavior has been increasingly problematic.
• The new policy is problematic for small businesses.

Appropriate when referring to situations or tasks that require effort, skill, or determination but are not necessarily negative. Often used with a positive tone regarding overcoming difficulties.

• This new job is very challenging, but I'm excited to learn.
• The math problem was challenging, but she solved it.

Describes a state of great confusion, disorder, or disturbance. Used for larger-scale situations affecting groups, communities, or mental states.

• The country was in turmoil after the election.
• Her mind was in turmoil over the news.

Applied to situations, environments, or individuals lacking steadiness or security. Often conveys concern about reliability or safety.

• The political situation in the region is very unstable.
• His emotional state has been unstable lately.