troubled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "troubled" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is experiencing emotional distress or difficulties in a situation. Example: "After hearing the news, she felt deeply troubled and couldn't concentrate on her work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Opinion

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The mob craving to bring coercive law into every realm of human behaviour has long troubled ethicists.

The Guardian - Opinion

For all their air of tweedy conservatism, the quintessentially modern political phenomenon might be Ukip In our dealings with the wider world, Marquand puts a neglect of history and past experience at the heart of two ongoing calamities: an increasingly troubled relationship with the rest of Europe, and all those misadventures in the Middle East.

The Guardian - Opinion

At the other end of the pitch, star striker Amad Al-Hosni has troubled Australia in the past and is increasingly surrounded by younger team-mates as Le Guen, who is approaching an impressive three year anniversary in the job, has used his joint role as Olympic coach to smoothen the transition from youth teams to senior side.

The Guardian - Sport

I want to be cheerful about Bradford, but the truth is that it looked a sadder place than when I stayed there briefly 30 years ago (and it was troubled enough then).

The Guardian - Opinion

Since she joined the two-year scheme she has already helped develop Nottinghamshire county council's troubled families communication's policy and has worked with its children's transformation team on its contact service for looked after children and their birth families.

The Guardian

She is drawn to extremes of experience – violence is a key motif, but so are betrayal and troubled sexuality.

The Guardian - Film

Are there other notable art couples, or is the usual pattern more one-sided and exploitative, or otherwise troubled?

The Guardian - Arts

Turning down such an opportunity troubled me more than my probable failure.

The Guardian

Along with Hytner's own production of the comedy One Man Two Guv'nors, it has staved off the financial difficulties that have troubled so many organisations in less commercial artforms since the government funding cuts of 2010.

The Guardian

He claims to be troubled by "how strongly the museum reflected her personal enthusiasms", but any director of any quality does precisely that (eg Neil MacGregor at the British Museum).

The Guardian - Arts

As a starting point, troubled governments would be given a standstill on repayments – something Tsipras is having to fight tooth and nail for – while talks with creditors take place.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "troubled" to describe situations or individuals facing significant problems or emotional distress. It effectively conveys a sense of concern and complexity.

Common error

Avoid using "troubled" as a vague euphemism to soften descriptions of severe issues. Be direct when detailing specific problems to ensure clarity and avoid misleading the audience.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "troubled" primarily functions to describe a noun, indicating that the noun is experiencing difficulties, problems, or emotional distress. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Opinion

12%

Sport

9%

Less common in

Business

9%

Film

6%

Arts

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "troubled" is a versatile term used to describe states of difficulty or emotional distress. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in English. It commonly appears in contexts such as news, opinion pieces, and sports reporting. While generally neutral, its formality can shift based on the specific domain. Remember to use "troubled" to add depth when describing complex problems or individuals facing emotional challenges, and try to be precise and avoid excessive generality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distressed

Refers to a state of emotional suffering or pain, emphasizing the internal experience of anguish.

worried

Indicates a state of anxiety and concern about actual or potential problems.

anxious

Implies a feeling of unease or nervousness, often about an imminent event or uncertainty.

afflicted

Suggests being affected by something causing pain or suffering, whether physical or emotional.

burdened

Highlights the weight of emotional or psychological strain.

plagued

Conveys a sense of being persistently troubled or harassed by something.

in turmoil

Describes a state of great disturbance, confusion, or uncertainty.

in distress

Emphasizes a state of extreme danger or suffering, often requiring immediate help.

facing difficulties

Focuses on the presence of challenges or obstacles that cause trouble.

experiencing hardship

Highlights the experience of severe suffering or privation.

FAQs

How can I use "troubled" in a sentence?

"Troubled" can describe someone experiencing emotional or psychological problems (e.g., "a troubled teenager") or a situation marked by difficulties (e.g., "a troubled economy"). The specific context determines the most fitting application.

What are some synonyms for "troubled"?

Depending on the context, synonyms for "troubled" include "distressed", "worried", "anxious", "afflicted" or "burdened".

Is it better to say "troubled" or "difficult"?

"Troubled" often implies emotional or psychological distress, while "difficult" suggests challenges or obstacles. Use "troubled" when referring to emotional states or complex problems and "difficult" for challenging situations or tasks.

What does it mean when someone is described as "a troubled soul"?

Describing someone as "a troubled soul" suggests they are experiencing deep emotional pain or internal conflict. It implies a history of hardship or a present state of unease and suffering.