distraught

USAGE SUMMARY

"distraught" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is used to describe someone who is extremely upset, often to the point of being overwhelmed and overcome with emotion. Example: After losing the election, the politician was so distraught that he was unable to speak.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Distraught and unsure what to do, he said he drifted down to London and began sleeping in parks and on night buses and begging for £1 from passers-by to buy chips.

The Guardian

In the recording, Watts sounded distraught and refused to show her identification.

The Guardian

The one-off documentary is shot in Leech's distinctive hand-held camera style and features the first emotional encounter between the Mosque's charismatic young communications manager and a distraught sister of one of the three Bethnal Green schoolgirls who flew out to join Isis jihadists in Syria.

The Guardian

He was distraught about losing his second family, who he said loved him very much.

The Guardian

We're the Eurovision equivalent of the Bullingdon club, flinging a wad of notes at a distraught restaurant owner after we've smashed the place up.

The Guardian - Opinion

The local community was caught up in the harriers' fate; children at the primary school who had named Sky were distraught; Blainaid Denman, who had led a hen harrier project for the RSPB in the area, said she felt "crushed".

The Guardian

When the results were announced, however, the yes campaigners were distraught.

The Guardian

Distraught relatives lined up yesterday at an improvised morgue in a bloodstained alleyway to identify some of those mangled and entombed in Saturday's quake, which measured 7.6 on the Richter scale.

The Guardian

A rat-infested prison cell awaits Liz Hurley Elsewhere, Lost in Showbiz is distraught at the misfortune that continues to dog cinema's Elizabeth Hurley, whose only crimes are to have staged slightly vulgar weddings in two countries, flogged the pictures to Hello!, continued to dress her child in the manner favoured by young royals circa 1958 and been almost elaborately bad in Bedazzled.

The Guardian

So when a distraught couple is in the counselling room and the so-called guilty party is saying "it didn't mean anything", the counsellor might try to help them find out what it really did mean.

The Guardian - Opinion

Kevin – a softer presence – informs me that Richard's at work, and Anthony's too distraught to speak.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "distraught" to convey a profound sense of emotional distress that goes beyond simple sadness or worry. It suggests someone is overwhelmed and struggling to cope.

Common error

Avoid using "distraught" to describe minor disappointments or inconveniences. Reserve it for situations where the emotional impact is genuinely severe to maintain its impact and avoid exaggeration.

Linguistic Context

"Distraught" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe a state of extreme emotional upset, worry, or sadness. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples showing individuals or groups described as being in this state. It typically precedes the noun it modifies, such as "distraught parents" or "distraught relatives."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

94%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "distraught" is an adjective used to describe a state of intense emotional distress. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in news and media contexts. When writing, reserve "distraught" for situations involving significant emotional impact to avoid diminishing its power. Consider using alternatives like "deeply distressed" or "extremely upset" in less severe situations. By understanding its nuances, you can effectively use "distraught" to convey the appropriate level of emotional intensity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deeply distressed

Focuses on the intensity of the distress experienced.

extremely upset

Highlights the significant emotional upset of the person.

overcome with grief

Emphasizes the feeling of being overwhelmed by sorrow.

inconsolable

Suggests an inability to be comforted or consoled.

beside oneself with worry

Indicates a state of extreme anxiety and concern.

stricken with anguish

Highlights a sudden and intense feeling of suffering.

heartbroken

Focuses specifically on the emotional pain of a broken heart.

devastated

Indicates a state of being completely ruined or destroyed emotionally.

agitated

Suggests a state of restlessness and unease, often due to distress.

perturbed

Indicates a state of mild anxiety and disturbance.

FAQs

How can I use "distraught" in a sentence?

Use "distraught" to describe someone who is deeply upset or worried. For example, "The "distraught parents" searched everywhere for their missing child."

What's the difference between "distraught" and "upset"?

"Distraught" implies a greater level of emotional distress than "upset". While being upset might indicate mild disappointment or annoyance, being "distraught" suggests a state of extreme emotional turmoil and agitation. Consider using "extremely upset".

What are some synonyms for "distraught"?

Some synonyms for "distraught" include "deeply distressed", "extremely upset", and "inconsolable". Choose the word that best fits the specific context and level of emotional intensity.

Is it appropriate to use "distraught" in formal writing?

Yes, "distraught" is appropriate for formal writing when accurately describing a state of profound emotional distress. However, consider your audience and the overall tone to ensure it aligns with the context. In some cases, a less emotionally charged term might be preferable.