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

If Georgia, worried about explosiveness in the passing game, decides to lean on its running game this year, Frazier could benefit. — The Athletic College Football Staff, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026

The two honored Parton with personal tributes on social media, which left many worried. — Allison Degrushe, StyleCaster, 8 Sep. 2026

Mogaka says one of his drivers is too scared to come to work and is worried about his wife, a Burundian national who runs a fruit business. — Michael Kaloki, NPR, 8 Sep. 2026

The speaker and the president are understandably worried about deteriorating public opinion, given the inherent connections between general economic welfare and political legitimacy. — Esfandyar Batmanghelidj, Foreign Affairs, 8 Sep. 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