frazzled

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

Examples of frazzled in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Here, her frazzled hair is tinted a rebellious pink, and instead of covering up pimples and other imperfections, the makeup department has accentuated the red spots on her face and arms. —Peter Debruge, Variety, 7 June 2025

The Friend functions perfectly well as a dog picture, a movie about a frazzled single woman learning to care for a gentle but unruly animal in the big, bad city. —Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 28 Mar. 2025

Shortly thereafter, their other (40-something) bestie, Jerry Frank (Matt Bomer), a frazzled flight attendant, comes bursting through the funeral home doors, still in uniform and pulling his suitcase behind him. —Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 27 Mar. 2025

There’s some time travel, a handsome leading man, and a frazzled aunt (played by stage veteran Faith Prince), but mostly the show rests on the performance of Broadway newcomer Jasmine Amy Rogers, whose Betty wants nothing more than a day off from her celebrity life. —Barbara Schuler, Travel + Leisure, 27 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1854, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for frazzled

• dazzled