upset

Feeling sad, worried, or angry about something.

• She looks upset.
• I was upset about losing my phone.
• Why are you so upset with him?

How to use it: upset about something (He was upset about the cancellation.); upset with someone (Are you upset with me?); upset that… (She was upset that nobody had called.)

Similar words: distressed, unhappy

Opposites: happy

Common phrases: feel upset, upset about something, upset with someone

Feeling sick in your stomach, as if you might bring up food.

• I have an upset stomach.
• Her stomach felt upset after the meal.
• Can this medicine cause an upset tummy?

Similar words: queasy, nauseous

Common phrases: upset stomach, upset tummy, stomach feels upset

Turned over or knocked onto its side.

• The cart lay upset in the road.
• Milk ran from the upset cup.
• They found an upset carriage beside the bridge.

Similar words: overturned

Opposites: upright

Common phrases: upset carriage, upset cart

To make someone feel sad, worried, or angry.

• Please do not upset your sister.
• The news upset everyone in the family.
• Does it upset you when people laugh?

Similar words: distress, trouble, sadden

Opposites: comfort

Common phrases: upset someone, upset someone deeply

To change something in a way that causes problems or stops it working well.

• The storm upset our plans.
• Too much rain can upset the natural balance.
• Changing shifts has upset her daily routine.

Similar words: disrupt, disturb

Common phrases: upset the balance, upset someone’s plans, upset the routine

To beat someone who was expected to win a match, competition, or election.

• Our team upset the champions.
• She upset the top player in the final.
• Could this young candidate upset the favorite?

Similar words: beat unexpectedly

Common phrases: upset the champion, upset the favorite

To knock something onto its side or turn it over.

• The dog upset a glass.
• A sudden movement upset the canoe.
• Be careful not to upset the tray.

Similar words: overturn, tip over, knock over

Common phrases: upset a boat, upset a glass

To fall onto one side or turn upside down.

• The carriage upset on the rough road.
• Our boat upset in the strong current.
• The cart upset when a wheel broke.

Similar words: overturn, tip over

Common phrases: boat may upset, carriage might upset