profoundly troubled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "profoundly troubled" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is experiencing deep emotional distress or significant concern about a situation. Example: "After hearing the news, she felt profoundly troubled by the implications for her community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

He was 36, very much loved by his parents and siblings, and profoundly troubled.

The New York Times

But this isn't at all why he appears so profoundly troubled.

The Guardian - Film

A struggling school system, an ineffective tax assessment structure and a profoundly troubled police force are either undergoing an overhaul or facing one.

The New York Times

I actually occupy a shrinking center of American Jews fiercely committed to Israel's existence but profoundly troubled by its current course.

The New York Times

The US has said it is "profoundly troubled" by footage that allegedly shows a US teenager being brutally beaten by Israeli police.

Independent

Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement that he was "profoundly troubled" by the involvement and enthusiasm of players regarding the bounty program.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

For a democrat, this is all profoundly troubling.

The Guardian - Opinion

I found the Sunday Review article by Noy Thrupkaew ("A Misguided Moral Crusade," Sept. 23) to be profoundly troubling.

The New York Times

The idea that a lot of men in their prime working years are becoming discouraged and giving up looking for work would be profoundly troubling.

The New York Times

Profoundly troubling is the fact that Cole Layer Trumble is going to change hundreds of assessments based on mistakes they have found, both increases and decreases, without benefit of hearings.

The New York Times

I find this practice to be profoundly troubling.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "profoundly troubled" to convey a strong sense of unease or concern, often in response to serious or disturbing news or events. It suggests a deeper level of emotional impact than simply "worried" or "concerned".

Common error

Avoid using "profoundly troubled" in everyday, trivial situations. This phrase is best reserved for scenarios where the emotional distress or concern is significant and warrants a more serious tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "profoundly troubled" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of deep emotional distress or concern. It is often used to convey a strong negative reaction to a disturbing event or situation. Ludwig confirms its correct and standard usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

19%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "profoundly troubled" is a common and grammatically sound adjectival phrase used to express a deep sense of unease or concern. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. Its frequency in News & Media highlights its relevance in serious reporting. While appropriate for formal contexts, it should be reserved for situations where the emotional impact is significant. Alternatives like "deeply disturbed" or "gravely concerned" offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deeply disturbed

Emphasizes a strong negative emotional reaction, focusing on the internal feeling of being upset.

gravely concerned

Highlights the seriousness of the situation causing worry.

seriously worried

Indicates a state of anxiety and apprehension about potential outcomes.

intensely distressed

Focuses on the high level of emotional pain and suffering experienced.

extremely anxious

Points to a heightened state of nervousness and unease.

very apprehensive

Suggests a feeling of dread or foreboding about something in the future.

bitterly upset

Implies a feeling of disappointment or anger about something that happened.

sorely afflicted

Highlights the suffering and hardship experienced due to a particular issue.

woefully affected

Underscores the negative impact and consequences of a situation or event.

heavily burdened

Emphasizes the weight and strain of emotional or psychological problems.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "profoundly troubled" in a sentence?

Use "profoundly troubled" to express a deep sense of worry or disturbance regarding a significant issue. For instance, "The community was profoundly troubled by the rise in crime rates" indicates a serious level of concern.

What are some alternatives to "profoundly troubled"?

You can use alternatives like "deeply disturbed", "gravely concerned", or "seriously worried" depending on the context. These phrases also convey a strong sense of unease or concern.

What distinguishes "profoundly troubled" from "slightly worried"?

"Profoundly troubled" signifies a much stronger emotional impact than "slightly worried". The former suggests a deep sense of distress and concern, while the latter indicates a milder, less intense level of worry.

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

Yes, "profoundly troubled" is suitable for formal writing, especially when describing significant concerns or disturbances. Its use conveys a serious and considered tone appropriate for professional or academic contexts.