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

But Republicans are worried that the popular but scandal-plagued Paxton could eventually win the primary, boosting Democrats’ chances of finally flipping the seat blue after decades of false hope. —Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 28 Feb. 2026

And if bankers became worried that Paramount was too leveraged, the tech mogul agreed to put in more money in order to secure the bank financing. —Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 28 Feb. 2026

Economists and investors have long been worried for years that AI adoption could result in mass layoffs. —Auzinea Bacon, CNN Money, 28 Feb. 2026

Although that strategy has shareholders sweating, analysts in general aren’t worried. —Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 27 Feb. 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