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.

Confused and distressed, her mother was only helped to the toilet or given a drink because family were there, she says.

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026

In addition to creating a trove of accessible, family-friendly programs, he’s taken a number of big, bold swings, buying up distressed assets that now span broadcast, cable, streaming and film distribution.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 8, 2026

As I set off, the shoes emitted a peppy clip-clop and a satisfying groan of distressed leather with each step.

From Slate • Jun. 5, 2026

Liz Benz still believes the distressed caller's voice was her son's -- the tone, enunciation and cadence all matched her 16-year-old.

From Barron's • Jun. 3, 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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