Troubled Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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troubled

[ˈtrʌbld ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

mental health

Experiencing or showing distress or anxiety; having difficulty coping with a situation or problem.

Synonyms

anxious, distraught, distressed, perturbed, worried.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
troubled	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.
distressed	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.
worried	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.
anxious	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.
distraught	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.
perturbed	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.

Examples of usage

She looked troubled and anxious.
He seemed troubled by the news.
I could see the troubled look on her face.
The troubled teenager struggled to express his feelings.
The troubled employee sought help from a therapist.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

situation

Characterized by or indicative of distress, difficulty, or problems.

Synonyms

challenging, difficult, problematic, turmoil, unstable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
troubled	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.
difficult	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.
problematic	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.
challenging	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.
turmoil	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.
unstable	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.

Examples of usage

The troubled waters made sailing dangerous.
The troubled economy led to widespread unemployment.
The troubled relationship finally came to an end.
The troubled company faced bankruptcy.
The troubled region was in need of humanitarian aid.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The word 'troubled' comes from Old French 'troubler,' which means to disturb or upset.
In the 14th century, people often used the word to describe physical disruptions, like storms affecting the sea.
The emotional use of the term became more common in the 17th century, reflecting societal changes in understanding feelings.

Psychology

People often experience feelings of being troubled when facing stress, anxiety, or unresolved conflicts.
Therapists may help individuals explore their troubled emotions to find resolution and peace.
Research shows that expressing troubled feelings can improve mental health and lead to better coping strategies.

Literature

Many classic novels feature troubled characters, illustrating their inner struggles and societal conflicts, such as in Shakespeare's works.
The theme of being troubled often reflects broader social issues, showcasing how personal feelings can impact community dynamics.
Poets frequently use troubled emotions as inspiration, creating impactful, relatable works that resonate on deep emotional levels.

Pop Culture

Songs from various genres often address troubled emotions, helping listeners connect through shared experiences, like Adele's 'Hello.'
Films and TV shows often depict troubled characters who must confront their issues, resonating with audiences seeking authenticity.
Celebrity candidness about being troubled can encourage fans to discuss their own feelings, fostering a sense of community around mental health.

Science

Studies show that individuals with troubled minds may experience physical symptoms, such as headaches or fatigue, reflecting the mind-body connection.
Research in neuroscience suggests that unresolved troubles can lead to changes in brain structure over time, affecting emotional regulation.
Management techniques for troubled feelings often include mindfulness, which has been shown to positively alter brain activity related to stress.

Origin of 'troubled'

The word 'troubled' originated from the Old French word 'troubler', which meant 'to trouble'. It first appeared in the English language around the 13th century. Over time, the meaning of 'troubled' has evolved to describe various situations and individuals experiencing distress or difficulty. The word captures the emotional and situational turmoil that many people encounter in their lives.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,725 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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