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troubled
/ˈtrʌb.əld/
experiencing problems or difficulties
The country is going through a troubled period in its history.
The country is facing significant challenges and problems during this time in its history.
neutral
Experiencing problems, difficulties, or emotional distress
She looked troubled after receiving the bad news.
She appeared worried or upset after hearing the negative information.
The troubled waters of the river made navigation impossible.
The river's rough and choppy state made it difficult to travel by boat.
Can describe both emotional states (e.g., troubled mind) and physical/situational difficulties (e.g., troubled times).
Collocations
troubled timesa period of difficulty or crisistroubled watersa situation with potential problems or dangerstroubled pasta history filled with difficulties or regrets
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Avoid overusing 'troubled'
While 'troubled' is versatile, it can sound overly dramatic in casual conversation. Consider alternatives like 'stressed' or 'challenged' depending on context (e.g., 'stressed about work' vs. 'a troubled relationship').
Gold Rule
Match the intensity of the word to the context
Use 'troubled' for moderate to severe difficulties. For milder issues, words like 'concerned' or 'bothered' may be more appropriate (e.g., 'I'm concerned about the meeting' vs. 'The company is in troubled waters').
Word Origin
From Middle English 'troubled', past participle of 'trobelen' (to disturb), from Old French 'troubler' (to disturb), from Vulgar Latin '*turbulare' (to agitate), from Latin 'turbulentus' (stormy, restless), from 'turba' (crowd, turmoil).
Usage Notes
Commonly used to describe both external situations (e.g., 'a troubled economy') and internal states (e.g., 'a troubled conscience'). Often implies a prolonged or unresolved difficulty rather than a temporary upset.
Word Breakdown
trouble
disturbance or difficulty
root-ed
past participle/adjectival suffix indicating state or condition
suffixEnglish Dictionary