troubled

adjective

trou·​bled ˈtrə-bəld 

1

a

: concerned, worried

troubled feelings about the decision

b

: exhibiting emotional or behavioral problems

a program for troubled youth

2

: characterized by or indicative of trouble

our troubled cities

a gray and troubled sky

Synonyms

• aflutter
• antsy
• anxious
• atwitter
• dithery
• edgy
• goosey
• het up
• hinky [slang]
• hung up
• ill at ease
• insecure
• jittery
• jumpy
• nervous
• nervy
• perturbed
• queasy
• queazy
• tense
• uneasy
• unquiet
• upset
• uptight
• worried

Examples of troubled in a Sentence

She seemed troubled about something.

These have been troubled times.

Recent Examples on the Web

For more than a week, Paramount Global has been poised to accept David Ellison’s bid for control of the troubled media company. —Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2024

The Political Economy of Japanese Financial Markets: Myths Versus Reality; Restoring Japan’s Economic Growth Two informative books on the troubled Japanese economy. —James K. Galbraith, Foreign Affairs, 10 June 2024

Investors are also keeping an eye on troubled retailers, as more apparel stores like Express and Rue21 file for bankruptcy and major retailers like Macy’s and Walmart close low-performing locations. —Joe Gose, New York Times, 9 June 2024

The horse co-owned by World Series champion Jayson Werth won the Belmont five weeks after a troubled trip led to a 10th-place finish in the Kentucky Derby. —CBS News, 8 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing troubled

• ease someone's (troubled) mind
• guilty/troubled conscience
• pour oil on troubled waters
• troubled waters