worried

1 of 2

adjective

wor·​ried ˈwər-ēd 

ˈwə-rēd

: mentally troubled or concerned : feeling or showing concern or anxiety about what is happening or might happen

worried parents

a worried frown

I'm not too worried about the weather.

He was worried sick. [=extremely worried]

But the technological intrusion of prenatal testing leaves expectant parents more worried than reassured.

—Ronni Sandroff

There was an ominous and worried expression on their faces.

—Jack London

… his mother was so worried she sent for the doctor.

—E. B. White

worriedly adverb

"Well, what did you think when you heard the news?" Jimmy asked us worriedly.

—Bobbie Ann Mason

… Roy thought it was from a snakebite, and worriedly glanced around.

—Carl Hiaasen

worried

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of worry entry 1

Synonyms of worried

Adjective

• upset
• nervous
• anxious
• uneasy
• troubled
• apprehensive
• concerned

Examples of worried in a Sentence

Adjective

the soldier's father had a worried expression as he listened to the news

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

For side sleepers and anyone worried about ear health, Laird recommends a soft sleep headband with flat speakers or a pillow speaker because those keep the ear canal more open. — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026

And coastal residents are worried about upcoming winter storms, which are likely to hit west- and northwest-facing beaches, and are expected to be supercharged by a record-breaking El Niño. — N. Kirkpatrick, Washington Post, 9 Oct. 2026

Analysts are worried about the performance of Modelo and Corona in the quarter reported Tuesday night, despite World Cup benefits. — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026

But Payton is not worried about optics, the calendar or what is equitable. — Troy Renck, Denver Post, 8 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1624, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for worried

• curried
• flurried
• hurried
• scurried
• unburied
• unhurried

Kids Definition

worried

adjective

wor·​ried

ˈwər-ēd, 

ˈwə-rēd

: having worries : marked by or showing worry

very worried about the test

a worried look

worriedly adverb