troubled

adjective

trou·​bled ˈtrə-bəld 

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

• aflutter
• antsy
• anxious
• atwitter
• dithery
• edgy
• goosey
• het up
• hinky [slang]
• hung up
• ill at ease
• insecure
• jittery
• jumpy
• nervous
• nervy
• perturbed
• queasy
• queazy
• tense
• uneasy
• unquiet
• upset
• uptight
• worried

Examples of troubled in a Sentence

She seemed troubled about something.

These have been troubled times.

Recent Examples on the Web

While Teresa’s troubled past with the law doesn’t necessarily impact her current debt, and a tax lien is not indicative of a criminal fraud case, time will tell if that is something authorities suspect. —Liza Esquibias, People.com, 1 Apr. 2025

But as the stories grow of ailing or troubled veterans who die or attempt suicide because of their inability to get the VA’s help, these lawmakers can only hide for so long. —U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Mar. 2025

Spurs Eyeing Iraola Bournemouth head coach could replace troubled Postecoglou Everything is working — and appreciating in value — at Bournemouth. —Phil Hay, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025

Exosome cica and tea tree leaf water help soothe and hydrate troubled skin to restore smoothness and glow. —Nora Colomer, FOXNews.com, 27 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing troubled

• ease someone's (troubled) mind
• guilty/troubled conscience
• pour oil on troubled waters
• troubled waters

Rhymes for troubled

• bubbled
• doubled
• redoubled
• untroubled