emotionally compromised

USAGE SUMMARY

"emotionally compromised" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a person who is not in full control of their emotions due to a difficult situation they are currently facing. Example: After going through a traumatic experience, the woman was emotionally compromised and incapable of making sound decisions.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

If a person finds herself in an emotionally compromised state contemplating an unexpected kindness, say, or recalling a loss and is then exposed, either willingly or via her dentist's satellite-radio station, to a certain kind of mawkish emoting, the transaction starts to feel not just facile, but actually diabolical.

The New Yorker

Youths with problems in PIP aggression were not anxious and depressed (i.e. emotionally compromised).

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health

If a person finds herself in an emotionally compromised state — contemplating an unexpected kindness, say, or recalling a loss — and is then exposed, either willingly or via her dentist's satellite-radio station, to a certain kind of mawkish emoting, the transaction starts to feel not just facile, but actually diabolical.

The New Yorker

Following the elder Spock's advice, Kirk provokes younger Spock into attacking him, forcing Spock to recognize that he is emotionally compromised and relinquish command to Kirk.

Wikipedia

But the movie, inspired by Napper's experience as second unit director on 2009's Skid Row-set "The Soloist," also frames the locale as a last-chance refuge for an estimated 10,000 financially, physically and emotionally compromised souls; a place of help and, yes, hope, thanks to the vicinity's advocates, missions and other assistance groups.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Harris is compromised emotionally, and he's in emotional pain.

Huffington Post

Opening with a darkly comic account of life as a dramatised and scrutinised performance, the collection presents a host of surreally reimagined everyday scenes in which speakers and characters, by turns emotionally, intellectually and physically compromised, perform accepted, expected and imagined roles.

The Guardian - Books

But the reviews were full of praise for Dominic West's performance and for the subtlety and deftness of his scenes with Ms. Watson, playing a woman who was emotionally co-opted and ultimately compromised by Fred West.

The New York Times - Arts

He is a beaten man as the play begins, physically shriveled, emotionally haunted and, as is slowly revealed, fatally compromised.

The New York Times

Their son, Johnny, who lost an arm in the failed Easter rebellion against the English in 1916, is a beaten man, emotionally haunted and, as is slowly revealed, fatally compromised.

The New York Times

Participants related their symptoms to a range of factors including medication side effects, compromised immune systems that made common colds and the flu more potent, and feeling emotionally low.

BMC Infectious Diseases

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "emotionally compromised", consider the audience and context to ensure the term is appropriate and doesn't cause unnecessary offense or discomfort.

Common error

Avoid using "emotionally compromised" in highly formal or clinical settings where more precise psychological terms might be more suitable. Using more neutral phrasing such as "experiencing emotional distress" may be preferable in sensitive conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "emotionally compromised" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to describe a state of being where emotional stability is impaired. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "emotionally compromised" is a grammatically sound adjective phrase used to describe a state where emotions hinder one's ability to function normally. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in English, particularly in news, media, and scientific contexts. While "emotionally compromised" is considered usable, exercise caution in formal settings. Instead, consider alternatives such as "emotionally vulnerable". Key takeaways: use this phrase when referring to emotional impediments, but be mindful of the context and audience to ensure appropriateness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

emotionally vulnerable

Focuses on the susceptibility to emotional harm or distress.

emotionally fragile

Highlights the delicate and easily upset emotional state.

mentally unstable

Emphasizes a lack of mental equilibrium or steadiness.

in a delicate emotional state

Describes a sensitive and precarious emotional condition.

emotionally weakened

Suggests a reduction in emotional strength or resilience.

in a state of emotional distress

Focuses on the presence of significant emotional suffering.

emotionally sensitive

Highlights heightened emotional reactivity.

emotionally exposed

Emphasizes the lack of emotional protection or defense.

emotionally unbalanced

Indicates a lack of emotional equilibrium.

emotionally susceptible

Highlights a tendency to be easily influenced by emotions.

FAQs

How can I use "emotionally compromised" in a sentence?

You can use "emotionally compromised" to describe someone whose ability to think clearly or make sound decisions is impaired by their emotional state. For example, "After the accident, she was too "emotionally compromised" to give a statement to the police".

What's a less clinical alternative to "emotionally compromised"?

Alternatives include phrases like "emotionally vulnerable", "emotionally fragile", or simply "upset", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "emotionally compromised" a formal or informal term?

"Emotionally compromised" sits somewhere between formal and informal. While it can be used in news and media, be mindful of its potential to sound clinical or stigmatizing. In very formal contexts, consider using more neutral or descriptive language.

What's the difference between "emotionally compromised" and "mentally unstable"?

"Emotionally compromised" suggests a temporary impairment due to current emotional distress, while "mentally unstable" implies a more chronic or persistent condition affecting mental well-being and stability.