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.
The series won multiple awards and prompted a state audit of the troubled jail system that led to new state legislation. — Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 July 2026 An excellent company can become an expensive stock, just as a troubled company can cease to be an attractive short. — Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026 Bending Spoons' key focus is acquiring troubled tech companies and overhauling them. — ABC News, 1 July 2026 The movie follows Gugino as a grieving woman who takes in her troubled nephew, but their lives are upended when an otherworldly entity begins hunting him. — Scott Huver, PEOPLE, 4 July 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

trouble
troubled
troubledly
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Cite this Entry

“Troubled.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/troubled. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of troubled for Spanish Speakers

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