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
a gray and troubled sky

Synonyms

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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.
Setting: The Maldives Main Characters Patrick Schwarzenegger as Tristan Kennedy A charismatic but troubled political scion trying to escape his family’s legacy. — Martine Paris, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025 The former had Tom Hardy as a troubled guy named Locke watching his life unravel during a feature-length road trip. — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 20 Mar. 2025 Policyholders will be covered up to certain limits by the guaranty fund: Most states maintain $300,000 caps, according to the National Conference of Insurance Guaranty Funds, though policyholders with larger claims can apply to the troubled insurer’s estate to get full payment. — Ron Lieber, New York Times, 19 Mar. 2025 Tuesday's splashdown will cap a lengthy space odyssey for Williams and Wilmore, whose troubled voyage became mired in politics and raised questions about Boeing's ability to carry out missions for NASA. — Joe Hernandez, NPR, 18 Mar. 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

Phrases Containing troubled

Rhymes for troubled

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troubled
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Cite this Entry

“Troubled.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/troubled. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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