worried
WUH-reed
Worried (adj) means feeling anxious or afraid because of something that has happened, or might happen. Example: “She looked worried after missing three calls from the hospital.”
adj
1
Feeling anxious or afraid because of something that has happened, or might happen.
"She looked worried after missing three calls from the hospital."
"I'm worried about him — he hasn't answered a text all day."
"She was worried about her son who had been sent off to fight in the war."
"He felt worried the night before his first big exam."
How to use worried
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishUneasy or afraid because you keep thinking about a problem.
Common pairings
worried about
worried sick
worried look
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more worried
- Superlative
- most worried
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She looked _____ after missing three calls from the hospital.
Synonyms
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anxious
concerned
uneasy
troubled
nervous
apprehensive
on edge
fretful
upset
disturbed
distressed
disquieted
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for worried
See all rhymes for worried →Frequently asked questions
What does “worried” mean?
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.
How do you pronounce “worried”?
“Worried” is pronounced WUH-reed (/ˈwʌɹid/ in IPA).
How do you use “worried” in a sentence?
Here is “worried” used in a sentence: “She looked worried after missing three calls from the hospital.”
What part of speech is “worried”?
“Worried” is an adjective.
Is “worried” a common word?
“Worried” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between worried and anxious?
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.
Is being worried the same as being scared?
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.
What is the opposite of worried?
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.
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