Headway Word of the Week
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upset
If you feel upset, you are sad, worried or angry about something.
- I was upset because I failed the exam.
- I'm upset because you lied to me.
To upset someone means to make them feel sad, worried or angry.
- I'm sorry I upset you. I didn't mean to be rude.
To upset can also mean to spoil plans, to spill or to defeat (unexpectedly).
- The bad weather managed to upset all our plans for the wedding.
- Bill upset the vase and spilled water all over the floor.
- There was a huge upset in the first round when the champion was beaten.
Verb + preposition
- upset about
I was upset about losing.
- upset over
I was upset over what you said.
- upset by
I was upset by the documentary about homeless children.
Adverb + adjective / verb
- really upset
- terribly/dreadfully upset
Adjective + noun
- a tummy/stomach upset
( = your stomach feels a bit unwell)
- a huge/major upset
( = a surprise defeat in a tournament)
- Don't upset yourself.
( = Don't worry./Don't cry) - She managed to upset the applecart.
( = She ruined the plans) - It was very upsetting.
( = It made me feel sad)
- hurt
- worried
- spoil
- spill
- beat
⇒ Learn more words in the Word of the Week archive