B1adjective 2K

Upset

🇬🇧 UK /["/ˌʌpˈset/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ˌʌpˈset/"]/

Meaning of Upset

unhappy or disappointed because of something unpleasant that has happened

In simple words: To make someone sad or angry.

Upset in a sentence

• I understand how upset you must be feeling.
• There's no point **getting upset** about it.
• He was **really upset** over not getting the present he wanted from Father Christmas.
• I was upset at missing all the excitement.
• She was upset that he had left without saying goodbye.
• I think she may be a bit upset with you.
• She was still upset about her divorce.
• The incident had left him visibly angry and upset.
• I've been off work with an upset stomach.

How to use Upset

Use 'upset' to describe feelings of sadness or anger, typically in a context that is personal or emotional. It may not be appropriate for formal writing where stronger language ('angry,' 'distressed') might be preferred.

Grammar pattern

upset + object

Memory hint

Imagine a cup being upset and spilling its contents everywhere — that's how feelings can spill out when you're upset.

Related words

Collocations with Upset

• appear
• be
• feel
• extremely
• fairly
• very
• about
• at
• with

Synonyms for Upset

• disturb
• unsettle
• displease
• afflict
• trouble

Opposites of Upset

• calm
• happy

Common mistakes with Upset

• Confused with 'upset' as a noun and verb.
• Used incorrectly as an adjective without understanding the emotional context.
• Mixed up with 'angry,' which is often stronger.

Frequently asked questions about Upset

What does Upset mean?

To make someone sad or angry.

What is the definition of Upset?

unhappy or disappointed because of something unpleasant that has happened

How do you use Upset in a sentence?

I understand how upset you must be feeling.

Can you give another example of Upset?

There's no point **getting upset** about it.

What are synonyms for Upset?

Common alternatives include disturb, unsettle, displease, afflict, trouble.

What is the opposite of Upset?

Opposite meanings include calm, happy.

What words go with Upset?

It commonly pairs with appear, be, feel, extremely, fairly, very, about, at, with.

What are common mistakes when using Upset?

Confused with 'upset' as a noun and verb. Used incorrectly as an adjective without understanding the emotional context. Mixed up with 'angry,' which is often stronger.

How do you pronounce Upset?

US: /["/ˌʌpˈset/"]/, UK: /["/ˌʌpˈset/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Upset?

Use 'upset' to describe feelings of sadness or anger, typically in a context that is personal or emotional. It may not be appropriate for formal writing where stronger language ('angry,' 'distressed') might be preferred.

What CEFR level is Upset?

"Upset" is at B1 level on the CEFR scale.