disturbed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "disturbed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being unsettled, troubled, or emotionally affected by something. Example: "After hearing the news, she felt deeply disturbed and needed time to process her emotions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Privately, police sources believe the perpetrator was disturbed, perhaps by a passing motorist, and panicked.

The Guardian

Particulates like sand are not disturbed and settle to the bottom, so visibility is good.

The Guardian

Jokanovic's tactical switch, bringing on the Hungarian Daniel Tozser in place of Ikechi Anya just before the half-hour mark, paid an instant dividend after Watford had not disturbed the Brighton goalkeeper David Stockdale.

The Guardian - Sport

Paul O'Kane London I am less disturbed by David Cameron's ignorance of text-speak (Report, 12 May) than by his belief he was signing off texts to Rebekah Brooks with "lots of love".

The Guardian

However, a scientist working on the SNH action plan is so disturbed by the attitude and methodology of the agency that he has revealed to the Observer detailed concerns about SNH's behaviour.

The Guardian - Opinion

The royal pomp was mildly disturbed as demonstrators, human rights activists and the families of Britons tortured in Saudi prisons objected to the visit.

The Guardian

Keith Jarrett, national president of the BPA, said he was deeply disturbed at reports that supervisors had forwarded the email to junior staff.

The Guardian

However one of those backbenchers, Queensland Liberal MP Ewen Jones, told the ABC on Monday he was disturbed by the level of racist hate mail he had received that was directed at Muslims.

The Guardian

By doing it in this kind of stateless bit of Britain, a port or an airport transit lounge and calling it terror, they suspend all the normal rules and I think that is why people have got disturbed by what happened on Sunday.

The Guardian

We do not have to look hard for examples of man's arrogance, ignorance or ineptitude, his evidence of destruction; the fossil fuels burned, the seas and lands depleted, the habitats and ecosystems disturbed.

The Guardian

In A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, his alter ego Stephen, who is Irish, is disturbed by a conversation about words with an English priest: "The language in which we are speaking is his before it is mine.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "disturbed" to describe a person's mental state, be sensitive and avoid stigmatizing language. Consider using more specific terms if possible.

Common error

Avoid using "disturbed" as a catch-all term for any kind of negative behavior. Overusing vague terms can reduce clarity. Use more precise language to accurately describe the specific issue, such as "anxious", "agitated", or "confused".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "disturbed" is as an adjective, describing a state of being emotionally or mentally upset or troubled. As confirmed by Ludwig, this term can also function as a past participle of the verb "disturb".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "disturbed" functions primarily as an adjective to describe a state of emotional or mental unease, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is frequently used in various contexts, especially within news and media, to convey feelings of disruption or distress. While grammatically correct and widely used, it's essential to consider the sensitivity required when describing a person's mental state and, as Ludwig AI points out, to aim for specificity and precision. Alternatives such as "troubled", "upset", or "agitated" may be more appropriate depending on the nuance you intend to express. Remember to avoid using "disturbed" as a vague descriptor, and instead opt for more precise language to accurately convey the situation at hand.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Troubled

Emphasizes a state of worry or concern.

Unsettled

Emphasizes a lack of stability or peace of mind.

Upset

Highlights emotional distress or unhappiness.

Perturbed

Implies a state of mild anxiety or disquiet.

Agitated

Focuses on a state of heightened anxiety or restlessness.

Bothered

Suggests a feeling of mild annoyance or concern.

Disconcerted

Highlights a feeling of being unsettled or confused.

Disrupted

Indicates an interruption or disturbance of a peaceful or normal state.

Alarmed

Focuses on a feeling of sudden fear or concern.

Disquieted

Indicates a state of mild anxiety or unease, similar to perturbed but perhaps slightly stronger.

FAQs

How can I use "disturbed" in a sentence?

You can use "disturbed" to describe someone who is mentally or emotionally troubled, or to describe something that has been disrupted or interfered with. For example: "He seemed deeply disturbed by the news" or "The archaeological site had been disturbed by looters".

What are some synonyms for "disturbed"?

Alternatives include "troubled", "upset", "agitated", "disrupted", or "bothered". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "disturbed" to describe someone with a mental illness?

While "disturbed" can refer to mental illness, it's often considered stigmatizing. Using more specific and respectful language is generally preferred. Terms like "experiencing mental health challenges" or referring to a specific condition are better options.

What's the difference between "disturbed" and "disturbing"?

"Disturbed" describes someone who is experiencing emotional or mental distress. "Disturbing" describes something that causes distress or unease to others. For example, "He was disturbed by the events" versus "The film contained disturbing content."