worried

American  

[wur-eed, wuhr-] / ˈwɜr id, ˈwʌr- /

adjective

1. having or characterized by worry; concerned; anxious.

   Their worried parents called the police.

2. indicating, expressing, or attended by worry.

   worried looks.

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worried British  

/ ˈwʌrɪd /

adjective

1. feeling uneasy about a situation or thing; anxious

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Other Word Forms

• unworried adjective
• worriedly adverb

Etymology

Origin of worried

First recorded in 1550–60; worry + -ed ²

Example Sentences

She adds that she’s not worried her boys will balk at the idea.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 2, 2026

Before Ohtani took batting practice, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts took questions about his biggest star’s tepid start and said he wasn’t worried.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

So we’re trying to build a compromise with the people who are more worried about enforcement.

From Slate • Apr. 1, 2026

“Families who have been in the Emirates a long time ago wear it proudly. Others, especially those that came later, changed their name, worried about being assumed to have dual loyalties.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

I worried it around in my head, back and forth like a cat chasing a mouse in the field.

From "Nory Ryan’s Song" by Patricia Reilly Giff