troubled

adjective

trou·​bled ˈtrə-bəld How to pronounce troubled (audio)
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

Examples of troubled in a Sentence

She seemed troubled about something. These have been troubled times.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Of course, other corporations have been down a similarly troubled road in recent years. Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2025 The filing is known in Italy as a CNC, and offers troubled companies the time and space to restructure, and chart a path forward. Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 4 Sep. 2025 Despite its troubled history — and lofty price tag — some high-end property experts assure Rambling that the place eventually will find a buyer. Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2025 Part of the reason for that is her part in the end of the troubled Perry’s life looks to be the one of the most direct of all the suspects identified by the feds, the DEA and the LAPD. Dominic Patten, Deadline, 3 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for troubled

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of troubled was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Troubled.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/troubled. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on troubled

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!