troubled

adjective

trou·​bled ˈtrə-bəld How to pronounce troubled (audio)
Synonyms of troublednext
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

Examples of troubled in a Sentence

She seemed troubled about something. These have been troubled times.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Plans to rebuild the hospital were abandoned in 2024 amid troubled owner Steward Health Care's bankruptcy. Neal Riley, CBS News, 23 June 2026 And Asher DeLand will recur as Victor Suffredes, a tough but good-natured kid with a troubled past. Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 23 June 2026 Putting aside Starmer’s wooden public persona and chronic indecisiveness, his successor has offered no plausible policies to turn around a very troubled country. Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026 Looking back on the film’s long journey — from its troubled release in 2001 to its unexpected resurgence in Mexico 25 years later — Kelly sees the current success as part of a much larger story about the film’s legacy. José Salazar, IndieWire, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for troubled

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of troubled was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Troubled.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/troubled. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.

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