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

Synonyms of troubled

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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.
In May, authorities undertook a mass rescue of hundreds of animals, including 165 horses, at a troubled sanctuary in Julian called Villa Chardonnay. — Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Aug. 2026 The union has also raised questions about Cázares' role as fiscal advisor, pointing to her previous work overseeing other financially troubled school districts and questioning her compensation. — Richard Ramos, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026 Politically speaking, Pompano Beach is a deeply troubled place these days. — Steve Bousquet, Sun Sentinel, 1 Aug. 2026 The loss of temporary status for some 334,000 Haitian and Syrian immigrants has families weighing other options, which generally don’t include returning to their troubled countries. — Cameron Pugh, Christian Science Monitor, 1 Aug. 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

Phrases Containing troubled

Rhymes for troubled

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Browse Nearby Words

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troubled
troubledly
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Cite this Entry

“Troubled.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/troubled. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on troubled

Nglish: Translation of troubled for Spanish Speakers

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