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.

A person, confused and distressed by unwanted images they cannot control, can be left feeling like a predator, extremely isolated and overcome with shame.

From BBC • Apr. 29, 2026

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

Overall youth distressed about their gender had worse mental health than their peers, the study finds.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 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

But on the fourth night he was restless, shaking his head and pawing his ears, his voice distressed at her back.

From "The Incredible Journey" by Sheila Burnford

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