troubled

adjective

trou·​bled ˈtrə-bəld 

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

troubled times

a gray and troubled sky

Synonyms of troubled

• worried
• anxious
• upset
• nervous
• uneasy

Examples of troubled in a Sentence

She seemed troubled about something.

These have been troubled times.

Recent Examples on the Web

The report also alleged that the foundational promise of the Joliet Treatment Center — available treatment for the mentally troubled — had gone largely unfulfilled. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026

Philadelphia comic Annie Lederman draws from her own troubled youth for some of her comedy. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 7 Aug. 2026

Sessa made his on-screen debut as a teenager with a troubled home life in 2023’s The Holdovers. — Tommy McArdle, PEOPLE, 7 Aug. 2026

Godfrie Cole, 25, died in the special housing unit of the troubled Sunset Park jail on July 21. — John Annese, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

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