worried

The word “worried” means feeling anxious or afraid because of something that has happened, or might happen. In plain terms, uneasy or afraid because you keep thinking about a problem.

“Worried” is pronounced WUH-reed (/ˈwʌɹid/ in IPA).

Here is “worried” used in a sentence: “She looked worried after missing three calls from the hospital.”

“Worried” is an adjective.

“Worried” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

Worried usually points to a specific concern you can name — a bill, an exam, a late friend. Anxious can mean the same but often describes a broader, more persistent unease that may have no clear cause, and it can be stronger. In short, worry tends to be focused; anxiety can be free-floating.

They are related but not identical. Being scared is an immediate fear of a clear threat, often sharp and physical. Being worried is milder and more drawn-out — an uneasy, anxious feeling about something that has happened or might happen. You can feel worried about a danger long before it ever appears.

The opposite of worried is calm, relaxed or at ease — free of anxiety about what might happen. Words like carefree, untroubled, reassured and unconcerned also serve as antonyms. Which fits depends on context: reassured suggests a worry has been settled, while carefree suggests there was never much concern to begin with.