Definitions

distressed

[dih-strest] / dɪˈstrɛst /

ADJECTIVE

upset

Synonyms

STRONGEST

afflicted agitated anxious distraught jittery miffed perturbed shaky troubled

STRONG

bothered bugged concerned discombobulated distracted dragged exercised harassed peeved ripped saddened shook spooked tormented wired worried wrecked

WEAK

all torn up antsy basket case bummed out bundle of nerves cut up disconsolate distrait fidgety hyper in a stew in a tizzy inconsolable jumpy shook-up shot down strung-out unconsolable unglued up the wall uptight wretched

Antonyms

STRONGEST

calm cool happy peaceful pleased untroubled

STRONG

unworried

WEAK

collected comforted glad joyful

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The wave of sympathy tipped into public anger on April 1 when regional authorities announced they were convinced the badly injured and distressed animal could no longer be saved.

From Barron's • Apr. 23, 2026

He also urged Swalwell to abandon his campaign, saying he was deeply distressed after reading the Chronicle article.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

Nowhere is there any critical examination of this framing of distressed children as “clients” holding “goals” of changing themselves.

From Slate • Apr. 3, 2026

After the war, Jacob, back in Louisiana, bought up distressed plantations, and Bernard returned to “this rough, rural, ruined place” to help run their business and agricultural empire.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

Mrs. Larkin was so distressed by the woman’s curse that by New Year’s Eve she had dark circles under her eyes and was of an overall irritable disposition.

From "Moon Over Manifest" by Clare Vanderpool

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