Definition

Feeling sad, worried, or angry because something has gone wrong or is not as expected.

Example

She was upset when she heard the bad news.

Conversation

I heard you were feeling a bit upset yesterday, is everything okay?

Yeah, I just had a rough day at work and it got to me.

I'm sorry to hear that! Do you want to talk about what made you upset?

Maybe later, but right now I just need to relax a bit.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To become disturbed or emotionally troubled.

Example

She tends to get upset when things don't go her way.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I was really upset when I found out the concert was canceled.

I can imagine! That must have been disappointing.

Yeah, I was really looking forward to it.

Definition

A situation where something is disturbed or thrown into disorder, often causing emotional distress or a surprising defeat in a competition.

Example

The team's upset in the championship game shocked everyone.

Conversation

Did you hear about the game last night?

Yeah, it was such an upset when the underdog team won!

I didn't expect that at all; they played really well.

Definition

To cause someone to feel unhappy, worried, or disturbed; to make something go wrong or be in disorder.

Example

The news of the accident really upset her.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you hear about the game last night?

Yeah, it was crazy! I can't believe they upset the champions.

I know, right? Everyone thought the champions would win easily.

Root Explanation

Upset originates from the Old English 'uppsettan', which is formed from 'upp' (meaning up) and 'settan' (meaning to set). The word 'upset' means to set something up in a higher position or to overturn it.

Memory Tip

Think of something being 'set up' ('settan') in a higher position ('upp') — that's why upset means to overturn or disturb.

Visually Confused Words