Upset: meaning, definitions and examples

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upset

 

[ ʌpˈsɛt ]

Adjective / Verb
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Adjective

feeling

Feeling unhappy or disappointed because something unpleasant has happened.

Synonyms

disappointed, disheartened, distressed, saddened

Examples of usage

  • She was upset by the news of his death.
  • He was upset that he didn't get the job.
Context #2 | Adjective

emotion

Emotionally disturbed or agitated; distraught.

Synonyms

agitated, distraught, perturbed, troubled

Examples of usage

  • She was upset after the argument.
  • He was upset by the breakup.
Context #3 | Verb

action

To disturb the normal state of; to make someone feel unhappy or worried.

Synonyms

agitate, disrupt, disturb, unsettle

Examples of usage

  • The news upset her greatly.
  • The sudden change in plans upset him.

Translations

Translations of the word "upset" in other languages:

🇵🇹 chateado

🇮🇳 उदास

🇩🇪 verärgert

🇮🇩 kesal

🇺🇦 засмучений

🇵🇱 zdenerwowany

🇯🇵 動揺した (dōyō shita)

🇫🇷 contrarié

🇪🇸 molesto

🇹🇷 üzgün

🇰🇷 화난 (hwanan)

🇸🇦 منزعج

🇨🇿 rozčilený

🇸🇰 rozčúlený

🇨🇳 心烦 (xīnfán)

🇸🇮 razburjen

🇮🇸 leiður

🇰🇿 ренжіген

🇬🇪 გაბრაზებული

🇦🇿 kədərlənmiş

🇲🇽 molesto

Etymology

The word 'upset' originated in the mid-16th century, derived from the prefix 'up-' meaning 'in an upward direction' and the verb 'set'. Originally used in the context of setting something upright or in an elevated position, it later evolved to also convey the sense of disturbance or agitation. Over time, 'upset' came to be associated with feelings of unhappiness or emotional turmoil.

See also: up, upend, upmost, upper, upright, upsides, upward, upwards.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,441 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.