frazzled

1 of 2

adjective

fraz·​zled ˈfra-zəld 

1

: in a state of extreme physical or nervous fatigue and agitation

So relentlessly did my partner and I spring into our work throughout the week that by Saturday night we were frazzled wrecks.

—Jack London

A frazzled looking housefrau [=hausfrau], clutching a toilet scrub brush in one hand and the fist of a wailing toddler in the other, confronted me with a look of pure exasperation.

—Paul Di Filippo

She seems relaxed, breathing evenly; there's nothing here to get her frazzled.

—Bob Ottum

2

: damaged or weakened by strain or agitation : frayed

trying to soothe frazzled nerves

frazzled

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of frazzle entry 1

Examples of frazzled in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Riz Ahmed is there, entombed in his role as a frazzled scientific advisor who recognizes the severity of the situation. — David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 29 Sep. 2026

Research links chamomile to improved sleep quality and reduced anxiety, while lemon balm has traditionally been used to calm a frazzled nervous system. — Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026

Behind the scenes is Jeanne Gazelle, a frazzled producer panicking over declining ratings. — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 26 June 2026

The burly bureaucrat in dark slacks and a navy sweater has a scruffy beard and the frazzled look of an anonymous factotum thrust into the limelight. — Joshua Hunt, Vanity Fair, 17 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1854, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for frazzled

• dazzled