troubled

adjective

trou·​bled ˈtrə-bəld How to pronounce troubled (audio)
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
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.
In 2023, a significant disruption to the project put one game mode in jeopardy, foreshadowing a more troubled development than anyone initially imagined. ArsTechnica, 2 July 2025 With multiple open betas and a long, troubled development history, it’s taken a good while for the game to find its feet, but Mecha Break is now finally available to play on general release. Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025 Tennessee State University finalized an agreement with the state to reallocate $96 million to address the university's immediate financial needs on June 17 — something university leaders hailed as pivotal in stabilizing the school's troubled finances. Rachel Wegner, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025 But for all his fire and charisma, Shakur was, at his core, a troubled and sensitive soul. Danielle Bacher, People.com, 1 July 2025 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 9 Jul. 2025.

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