C1adjective2K

Troubled

UK /["/ˈtrʌbld/"]/US /["/ˈtrʌbld/"]/

Definition

worried and anxious

In simple words: having problems or difficulties

Examples

  • She looked into his troubled face.
  • She still felt vaguely troubled by it all.
  • a troubled marriage
  • We live in **troubled times**.
  • a singer with an extremely troubled past
  • financially troubled companies

Usage notes

Use 'troubled' to describe people or situations facing issues. Avoid using it in overly casual contexts, as it can sound heavy or serious.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of a 'trouble maker' who causes problems.

Collocations

  • be
  • feel
  • look
  • extremely
  • fairly
  • very
  • at
  • by
  • be
  • feel
  • look
  • extremely
  • fairly
  • very
  • at
  • by

Synonyms

  • distressed
  • worried
  • concerned
  • anxious
  • bothered

Antonyms

  • untroubled
  • content
  • calm

Common mistakes

  • Confusing with 'trouble' as a verb or noun.
  • Using it to describe things that are not serious, like a minor inconvenience.
  • Mistakenly thinking it only refers to emotional issues.