troubled

1 of 2

adjective

trou·​bled ˈtrə-bəld 

1

a

: concerned, worried entry 1

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

troubled times

a gray and troubled sky

troubled

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of trouble entry 2

Synonyms of troubled

Adjective

• worried
• anxious
• upset
• nervous
• uneasy

Examples of troubled in a Sentence

Adjective

She seemed troubled about something.

These have been troubled times.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The New York Times has begun testing its first generative AI tool for readers, a step the publication hopes will improve its troubled search feature but which has also alarmed some of the paper’s journalists. — Max Tani, semafor.com, 23 Aug. 2026

Unmasking ‘Criminal’ The FBI became aware of Spitze’s online crimes through his troubled home life and desire for fame, according to a DOJ sentencing memo to the court. — Hudson Crozier, The Washington Examiner, 20 Aug. 2026

Sorbo plays Elijah's talent manager, a man desperately attempting to keep the troubled rock star's life from completely falling apart. — Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 19 Aug. 2026

Buss family hits troubled waters The smooth sailing didn’t last forever. — Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

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

Phrases Containing troubled

• ease someone's (troubled) mind
• guilty/troubled conscience
• pour oil on troubled waters
• troubled waters

Rhymes for troubled

• bubbled
• doubled
• redoubled
• untroubled