agitated

USAGE SUMMARY

'agitated' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use this word to describe the feeling of being restless, nervous, or excited. Example: After hours of studying, he was feeling quite agitated.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The notes, published by the Sun on Sunday, include a reminder to remain "calm … never agitated".

The Guardian

In his maiden speech in the House of Lords, he asserted that "the negroes were not treated in the manner which had so agitated the public mind" – ie beaten and tortured – and that Caribbean slaves instead lived "in a state of humble happiness".

The Guardian - Film

"You could see the fans getting agitated in the first half but the message to the players [at half-time] was to keep calm, keep playing, don't listen to the supporters," said the Norwich manager Alex Neil.

The Guardian - Sport

Stan's death then was far from peaceful – apt for a man who spent most of his life agitated – but it was beautifully handled, with old vinegar tits herself, Shirley, by his side as he went.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

If down south wants to get agitated, then think how we felt when we got Thatcher.

The Guardian

If they become agitated, security arrives in black uniforms making it even worse.

The Guardian - Opinion

As the evening wore on, the crowd gathered in front of the Los Angeles police department headquarters became increasingly agitated, throwing rocks and traffic cones and rattling the metal fences manned by officers in riot gear.

The Guardian

Look at Noah, the folds of his gown so flowing and agitated that I wonder if they were meant it to look like the rising waters of the flood – or have I looked at them too much, am I beginning to imagine things?" The Ancestors, Britain's oldest stained windows is in the Chapter House, Canterbury Cathedral, daily until August 23.

The Guardian

His popularity took a blow after that when he agitated for a transfer from Lille to Marseille but he has since justified the £13m that Marseille eventually paid.

The Guardian - Sport

It was their opponents who looked agitated, with the substitute Ryan Giggs booked in stoppage team for his protests that a penalty ought to have been awarded against Maurice Edu for handball.

The Guardian - Sport

We proceed but the patient is agitated.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a crowd's mood, use "agitated" to convey a sense of restlessness and potential for unrest.

Common error

While "agitated" can describe strong feelings, reserve it for situations involving genuine disturbance or unease to maintain impact. Overusing it can dilute its meaning and make your writing seem hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The word "agitated" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe a state of being disturbed, troubled, or excited. Ludwig AI confirms this, providing numerous examples where "agitated" directly modifies a noun or pronoun.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "agitated" is a versatile adjective frequently employed to depict a state of emotional disturbance, ranging from mild unease to intense excitement. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary grammatical function is to modify nouns, adding depth to descriptions across various contexts. While "agitated" appears most commonly in news and media outlets, its neutral register ensures its appropriateness in both formal and informal settings. When using "agitated", consider its potential for overuse; reserving it for scenarios involving genuine unrest can amplify its impact. Alternatives such as "perturbed" or "flustered" offer nuanced substitutes depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

perturbed

Expresses a state of anxiety or disquiet, similar to agitated but often implying a milder disturbance.

flustered

Indicates a state of confusion or nervousness, close to agitated, often caused by unexpected events.

restless

Describes an inability to stay still or be content, overlapping with agitated in its expression of unease.

anxious

Highlights a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome, related to being agitated.

uneasy

Suggests a feeling of discomfort or apprehension, reflecting a milder form of agitation.

disturbed

Implies an interruption of peace or quiet, similar to agitated in its sense of disruption.

worked up

Indicates a state of excitement or agitation, especially about something unimportant.

fretful

Describes a state of worrying or being anxious, particularly over trivial matters, akin to being agitated.

on edge

Suggests a state of being nervous or irritable, similar to the feeling of being agitated.

in turmoil

Expresses a state of great disturbance, confusion, or uncertainty, indicating a stronger level of agitation.

FAQs

How can I use "agitated" in a sentence?

You can use "agitated" to describe someone who is feeling anxious, nervous, or troubled. For example, "The crowd became "increasingly agitated" as the wait time increased."

What are some synonyms for "agitated"?

Some synonyms for "agitated" include "perturbed", "flustered", and "restless". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say someone is "agitated"?

Yes, it is correct to describe someone as "agitated" when they are visibly anxious or disturbed. It is a common and accepted usage in both formal and informal contexts.

What's the difference between "agitated" and "angry"?

"Agitated" typically describes a state of anxiety or unease, while "angry" describes a feeling of strong displeasure or hostility. Someone who is "agitated" might not necessarily be angry, but they are certainly experiencing a heightened state of emotional arousal.