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

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 business remains in a troubled place, and impending consolidation definitely has everyone a bit on edge. Michael Schneider, Variety, 27 Apr. 2026 Four people were wounded early Sunday in a shooting at a troubled Queens nightclub with a history of violence and murder. John Annese, New York Daily News, 26 Apr. 2026 The big-budget spectacle, shrugged off bad reviews and a troubled production. ABC News, 26 Apr. 2026 In 2024, authorities in Denver arrested a financially troubled former funeral home owner who kept a body in a hearse for two years at a house where police also found the cremains of at least 30 people. Colleen Slevin, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Troubled.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/troubled. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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