easy
I felt upset when my project tore.
What does Upset mean?
Upset means sad, worried, or bothered.
Dictionary definition
Upset means unhappy, worried, or bothered; it can also mean to make someone feel that way.
Example sentences
Upset in a sentence
medium
The surprise change upset the team because they had already made a plan.
hard
A character may be upset by an event, but readers should look for the reason behind that feeling.
Writing practice
Ready to write your own? Study the examples, then practice upset in a sentence with Sentence Builder checklist feedback.
Quick practice
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Practice the meaning of Upset
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What does upset mean?
Upset can describe a feeling or an action that causes that feeling.
Practice 2
Which word is closest in meaning to upset?
Bothered is close in meaning because someone who is upset may feel troubled.
Practice 3
Which word is a useful contrast for upset?
Calm contrasts with upset because it means steady and peaceful.
Practice complete
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Pronunciation coach
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Upset
Voice settings
Sounds like
up · set · strongest beat: set
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordUpset.
Partadjective, verb, noun.
MeaningUpset means sad, worried, or bothered.
ExampleExample: I felt upset when my project tore.
Word breakdown
2 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- up · set
- Strongest beat
- set
- Ending
- set
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on set.
Your turn
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Nice work—you practiced upset.
Synonyms
Words like Upset
Antonyms
Opposite words
Synonym practice
Want to practice upset synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "Too much noise can agitate the puppy," then compare close word choices. Practice upset synonyms.
Word family
Upset word family
Base word
upset
verb
upsets
Makes someone unhappy, worried, or bothered.
adjective
upsetting
Causing someone to feel upset.
Related words
Explore related words
Student support
Understand Upset
Hint for students
Upset often describes a feeling caused by disappointment, worry, surprise, or being bothered. Look for clues that explain why the feeling happened.
Common mix-up
Upset is not always the same as angry. A person can be upset because they are sad, worried, disappointed, or confused.
Try it in class or at home
Write one sentence that shows upset without using the word upset. Then underline the clue words that show sadness, worry, disappointment, or being bothered. Example: Leo frowned when the schedule changed and said he needed a minute. Clue words: frowned, schedule changed, needed a minute Now try your own sentence. Ask: Does my sentence show someone feeling sad, worried, or bothered?
Teacher prompt
Ask students to explain this model sentence: "The surprise change upset the team because they had already made a plan." Why does upset fit better than calm?
Learning activities
Practice Upset and explore more word games
Cards labelled “Practice UPSET” keep this word in focus. Explore cards open games with other words.
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Sentence Builder
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