troubled

/ˈtrʌbld/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈtrʌbld/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈtrə-bəld/ (ame, mw)

troubled — adjective

  • troubledpositive
  • more troubledcomparative
  • most troubledsuperlative

1. describes a person, place, organization, or period of time that is experiencing

1.形容詞B1
釋義

describes a person, place, organization, or period of time that is experiencing many problems or difficulties.

例句

The troubled bank needed a government rescue after losing billions of dollars.

troubled + organization in crisis

Soraya tried to help her troubled brother, who had lost his job and his home.

troubled + person facing life difficulties

同義詞
  • difficult

    broader term; 'difficult' can describe any hard situation, while 'troubled' specifically implies ongoing problems or unrest

  • problematic

    more formal; suggests something causes or involves problems rather than simply experiencing them

  • unstable

    focuses on lack of steadiness or predictability, often used for political or economic situations

反義詞
  • stable

    describes a situation or organization that is steady and not experiencing serious problems

  • peaceful

    describes a place or time free from conflict or difficulty

文法句型

troubled + noun

be troubled by + noun phrase

用法筆記

Often modifies collective nouns (company, government, industry, region) and time periods (years, times, era). Commonly used attributively, placed directly before the noun it describes.

常見錯誤

❌The meeting was troubled because people argued.
✅The meeting was difficult because people argued.
💡'troubled' describes deep or lasting problems, not a single difficult event.
❌The troubled country had many problems.
✅The troubled country faced rising unemployment and civil unrest.
💡avoid stating both 'troubled' and 'problems' redundantly; give specific context instead.

2. feeling worried, nervous, or anxious, especially because of a specific problem o

2.形容詞B1
釋義

feeling worried, nervous, or anxious, especially because of a specific problem or uncertain situation.

例句

Tanvi looked troubled when she heard the news about her close friend.

troubled + appearance/expression

A troubled sleep left Noa feeling exhausted the next morning.

troubled + sleep/rest

同義詞
  • worried

    more common and slightly less formal; 'worried' is used for everyday concerns while 'troubled' suggests deeper unease

  • anxious

    emphasizes nervousness and unease about future events; more intense than 'troubled'

  • concerned

    more neutral and less emotional; suggests thoughtful care rather than distress

反義詞
  • calm

    describes a state of peace and freedom from worry

  • relaxed

    describes a state of being free from tension or anxiety

文法句型

look/feel/seem troubled

be troubled by + noun phrase

用法筆記

Frequently used as a predicative adjective after linking verbs like 'look', 'feel', 'seem', and 'appear'. Common in the pattern 'troubled by + [cause of worry]'. Unlike sense 1, this sense primarily describes a person's emotional state rather than a situation.

常見錯誤

❌I am troubled about tomorrow's quiz.
✅I am worried about tomorrow's quiz.
💡'troubled' suggests a deeper, longer-lasting worry, not everyday test anxiety.
❌He looked troubled and started crying loudly.
✅He looked troubled and stared quietly out the window.
💡'troubled' usually describes quiet, reflective worry, not strong emotional outbursts.