profoundly disturbed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "profoundly disturbed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is deeply unsettled or troubled by a situation or event. Example: "After witnessing the tragic accident, she felt profoundly disturbed and struggled to process her emotions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The situation on the ground profoundly disturbed him.

The New York Times

I am profoundly disturbed by this unethical form of journalism.

The Economist

He was clearly and profoundly disturbed, erratic and violent.

The Guardian

In the early rounds, Kansas messed Leonard about, and Broun was profoundly disturbed.

The New Yorker

The emergence of these nationalist movements profoundly disturbed the federal authorities.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The forced peace profoundly disturbed the balance that he had sought in Italy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The apology is unlikely to reassure those profoundly disturbed by his earlier comments.

The Guardian

He says he is still profoundly disturbed by what Mr. Hussein did to his people.

The New York Times

I am profoundly disturbed by the predominant medical attitudes about Lyme disease.

The New York Times - Science

Some trainees who are devout Christians become profoundly disturbed during the exercise.

The New Yorker

Though largely unflappable, Pepys was profoundly disturbed by the sight of a body lying in the open at Greenwich.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "profoundly disturbed", ensure the context clearly indicates a deep and significant emotional or psychological impact, going beyond mere annoyance or temporary upset. Consider the intensity of the feeling you wish to convey.

Common error

Avoid using "profoundly disturbed" to describe minor inconveniences or transient feelings of discomfort. Reserve this phrase for situations where the emotional or psychological impact is genuinely substantial and long-lasting.

Linguistic Context

Profoundly disturbed functions as an adjective phrase, where "profoundly" modifies the adjective "disturbed", intensifying its meaning. It describes a state of being deeply emotionally or psychologically upset. Ludwig indicates its use in describing reactions to events or conditions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Encyclopedias

14%

Science

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "profoundly disturbed" is a phrase used to describe a state of deep emotional or psychological upset, as confirmed by Ludwig. It functions as an adjective phrase, intensifying the meaning of "disturbed". The phrase is considered grammatically correct and is very common across various contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and science. It's important to use this phrase when conveying a significant emotional impact, rather than a minor inconvenience. Related phrases, like "deeply troubled" or "severely shaken", can offer alternative ways to express similar emotions with slightly different connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deeply troubled

Emphasizes a state of worry and anxiety, suggesting a disruption of peace of mind rather than a severe shock.

deeply unsettled

Implies a lack of stability and comfort, often in response to a situation or event.

greatly upset

Indicates a significant emotional disturbance, but may not necessarily imply the same depth of psychological impact.

severely shaken

Focuses on the impact of an event, implying emotional instability and vulnerability.

strongly affected

Highlights a notable impact or influence, but doesn't necessarily emphasize negative emotions or distress.

intensely affected

Highlights the strong influence of something on one's emotions, but might not always suggest negativity.

heavily impacted

Focuses on the weight or burden of an event, suggesting a significant effect on one's emotional state.

remarkably affected

Indicates that something has produced a noteworthy impact or response.

seriously bothered

Indicates a significant level of irritation and unease, lacking the depth of emotional distress.

significantly bothered

Implies a noticeable level of annoyance, irritation, or concern.

FAQs

How can I use "profoundly disturbed" in a sentence?

You can use "profoundly disturbed" to describe someone's deep emotional reaction to a significant event. For example: "He was "profoundly disturbed" by the graphic images from the war zone."

What are some alternatives to "profoundly disturbed"?

Alternatives include "deeply troubled", "greatly upset", or "severely shaken", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "profoundly disturbed" in formal writing?

Yes, "profoundly disturbed" is appropriate for formal writing when describing a significant emotional or psychological impact. The phrase is widely used in news, academic, and business contexts.

What is the difference between "profoundly disturbed" and "slightly bothered"?

"Profoundly disturbed" implies a deep and significant emotional or psychological impact, whereas "slightly bothered" indicates a minor annoyance or inconvenience. The former suggests a more lasting and impactful experience.