upset

The word “upset” means unhappy, distressed, or annoyed. In plain terms, to feel or cause distress, or an unexpected result/disruption.

“Upset” is pronounced uhp-SEHT (/ʌpˈsɛt/ in IPA).

Here is “upset” used in a sentence: “She was upset after losing the match.”

Words with a similar meaning to “upset” include in a tizzy, agitate, freak, bother, bring down and discompose.

The opposite of “upset” — its antonyms — are alleviate, appease, calm, comfort and compose.

Depending on how it is used, “upset” can be an adjective, a noun and a verb.

The word “upset” comes from Middle English. From Middle English upsetten, from up- + set.

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

Upset is a broad word covering being unhappy, distressed, or annoyed, and it often carries hurt or sadness rather than pure rage. Angry is specifically about strong displeasure and the urge to lash out. You can be upset and tearful without being angry, or upset in a way that includes some anger.

Upset is mild to moderate. It signals that someone's emotional balance has been disturbed — they are troubled, distressed, or annoyed — but it stops short of extremes like devastated or furious. Its vagueness is useful: it acknowledges real distress without pinning down whether the person is sad, hurt, worried, or cross.

The opposite is a settled, contented state — words like calm, composed, happy, or untroubled. Where upset suggests emotional balance has been knocked off course, these describe someone at ease. The image behind the word is literally being "turned over," so its opposite is being steady and level.