worried

adjective

wor·​ried ˈwər-ēd 

ˈwə-rēd

: mentally troubled or concerned : feeling or showing concern or anxiety about what is happening or might happen

worried parents

a worried frown

I'm not too worried about the weather.

He was worried sick. [=extremely worried]

But the technological intrusion of prenatal testing leaves expectant parents more worried than reassured.

—Ronni Sandroff

There was an ominous and worried expression on their faces.

—Jack London

… his mother was so worried she sent for the doctor.

—E. B. White

worriedly adverb

"Well, what did you think when you heard the news?" Jimmy asked us worriedly.

—Bobbie Ann Mason

… Roy thought it was from a snakebite, and worriedly glanced around.

—Carl Hiaasen

Synonyms of worried

• upset
• nervous
• anxious
• uneasy
• troubled
• apprehensive
• concerned

Examples of worried in a Sentence

the soldier's father had a worried expression as he listened to the news

Recent Examples on the Web

The health department also provides education and prevention methods to those who are worried about lead. —Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026

Investors have been worried about what happens to consumer spending if there’s a prolonged conflict and the oil-price shock rekindles inflation, slowing down the global economy. —Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 27 Mar. 2026

Karaban was worried about being good enough to even get on the court. —Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 27 Mar. 2026

People cheered in the moment, but Choi’s coach was worried about her, submitting a DNS (Did Not Start) for her second run. —Gawon Bae, CNN Money, 27 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1624, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for worried

• curried
• flurried
• hurried
• scurried
• unburied
• unhurried

Kids Definition

worried

adjective

wor·​ried

ˈwər-ēd, 

ˈwə-rēd

: having worries : marked by or showing worry

very worried about the test

a worried look

worriedly adverb