What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
distressed
Example
She was distressed when she heard the news of her friend's passing. [distressed: adjective]
Example
The company was distressed due to the economic downturn. [distressed: verb]
Example
The distressed furniture gave the room a vintage look. [distressed: adjective]
upset
Example
He was upset when he found out he didn't get the job. [upset: adjective]
Example
She upset the vase when she bumped into the table. [upset: verb]
Example
The upset bookshelf spilled all of its contents onto the floor. [upset: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Upset is more commonly used in everyday language than distressed. Upset is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while distressed is less common and typically used in more formal or serious situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between distressed and upset?
Distressed is typically associated with a more formal or serious tone, while upset is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
