adjective

perturbed

/pərˈtɜːrbd/ · say it: pur·TURBD

anxious or unsettled

In Emotions & Moods

In more detail

1. (adjective) slightly worried, confused, or upset

2. (adjective) in physics or mathematics, changed slightly from a normal state by an external force or influence

Examples

1. She seemed perturbed by the unexpected question during the interview.
2. The planet's orbit was perturbed by the gravitational pull of a nearby star.

How to use perturbed

Perturbed suggests a mild to moderate emotional disturbance—worry, confusion, or upset—often displayed visibly on someone's face or in their manner. It is more measured and somewhat formal than 'upset' or 'worried,' and appears frequently in academic and technical contexts. In physics and mathematics, it describes systems altered slightly by external influences from their baseline state.

Common phrases

perturbed by
seem perturbed
look perturbed
slightly perturbed
deeply perturbed

Synonyms

troubled · unsettled · disturbed · disquieted · flustered

Opposites

calm · composed · untroubled

Word family

perturbation (noun) · perturb (verb)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes use 'perturbed' as if it means severely distressed or angry, when it actually conveys only mild-to-moderate concern or emotional disruption.

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