troubled

1 of 2

adjective

trou·​bled ˈtrə-bəld How to pronounce troubled (audio)
Synonyms of troublednext
1
a
: concerned, worried entry 1
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

troubled

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of trouble entry 2

Synonyms of troubled

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Adjective

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Examples of troubled in a Sentence

Adjective She seemed troubled about something. These have been troubled times.
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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.
Adjective
The public reckonings with these figures’ legacies—the troubled former child star gone too soon, the beloved icon, the cult favorite, the complicated eccentric—have come in a cascade. — Michael Schulman, New Yorker, 5 Sep. 2026 In the last decade Germany has sheltered millions of refugees, mainly from Syria and other troubled countries in the Middle East. — Erik Kirschbaum, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2026 The district voluntarily rolled back its levy rate in 2023 when property tax bills spiked countywide during the troubled 2023 property tax assessment cycle. — Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 4 Sep. 2026 Why Iran may escalate Meanwhile, in Iran, an already troubled economy is facing major challenges. — Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for troubled

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

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 7 Sep. 2026.

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