upset
B1Neutral (used across formal and informal contexts)
Definition
Meaning
to make someone unhappy, worried, or angry; to disturb the normal state of something
Can refer to emotional disturbance, physical discomfort (especially stomach), surprising defeat in competition, or overturning of plans/expectations.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Functions as verb, adjective, and noun. As adjective, often describes emotional state ('feeling upset') or physical state ('upset stomach'). As noun, often refers to unexpected defeat ('a major upset').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. Both use all meanings. Slight preference in UK for 'gutted' as stronger emotional alternative; in US, 'bummed out' might be informal alternative.
Connotations
Similar emotional weight. In sports contexts, 'upset' as noun (surprise victory) equally common.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[sb] upsets [sb][sth] upsets [sb][sb] is upset by [sth][sb] is upset that [clause][sb] gets upsetVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “upset the applecart (to spoil plans)”
- “upset the balance”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Market news may upset investors. A deal falling through can upset projections.
Academic
The new evidence upset the prevailing theory.
Everyday
She was upset because she missed the bus. Spicy food upsets my stomach.
Technical
In medicine: gastric upset; in sports: tournament upset.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The bad news really upset her.
- Try not to upset your brother before his exam.
- The new regulations could upset the entire system.
American English
- His comments upset a lot of people.
- Don't let the criticism upset you.
- Eating too fast might upset your stomach.
adverb
British English
- (Rare as standalone adverb) 'Upsettingly, the plan failed.'
- (More common in participle) 'He spoke upsettingly about the event.'
American English
- (Rare as standalone adverb) 'Upsettingly fast, the news spread.'
- (More common in participle) 'She looked at him upsettingly.'
adjective
British English
- She was still upset about the argument.
- He had an upset stomach after the rich meal.
- The fans were upset by the team's poor performance.
American English
- I'm upset that I didn't get the job.
- The child seems upset—maybe she's tired.
- He felt upset and needed some time alone.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The baby is upset because he is hungry.
- I don't want to upset my friend.
- She feels upset when she is late.
- It upsets me to see so much waste.
- He was upset by the negative feedback.
- The sudden change of plans upset everyone.
- The documentary upset many viewers with its graphic images.
- Politicians are keen to avoid upsetting their core voters.
- A major upset occurred when the lowest-ranked team won the championship.
- The revelation threatened to upset the delicate political equilibrium.
- She was deeply upset, yet maintained a composed exterior.
- The researcher's findings could upset long-held assumptions in the field.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of setting a cup UP on a table, then knocking it over – you've UP-SET it, disturbing its normal state.
Conceptual Metaphor
EMOTIONAL STABILITY IS PHYSICAL BALANCE (to be upset is to be knocked off balance).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating 'upset stomach' as 'расстроенный желудок' – use 'расстройство желудка'.
- Don't confuse with 'upset' as adjective (расстроенный) and 'upsetting' as situation (огорчительный).
- Russian 'расстроить' can be weaker; English 'upset' often implies deeper emotional effect.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'upset' as a noun for a person ('He is an upset' ✗). Correct: 'He is upset' (adj) or 'He caused an upset' (noun event).
- Overusing 'very upset' instead of stronger collocations like 'deeply upset'.
- Confusing 'upset' with 'angry' – one can be upset without being angry.
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'upset' used as a noun?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, generally. 'Upset' implies a more agitated, disturbed state often involving worry, anger, or disappointment, whereas 'sad' is a quieter, more passive emotion.
Yes, commonly. An 'upset stomach' means mild digestive discomfort or illness. This is a fixed collocation.
You can be upset without being angry (e.g., upset due to worry or sadness). Anger is a specific type of upset feeling involving annoyance or rage. 'Upset' is broader.
Yes, but for stronger emphasis, adverbs like 'deeply', 'terribly', or 'really' are often more natural than 'very' in emotional contexts.
Collections
Part of a collection
Emotions and Feelings
A2 · 33 words · Words to describe how you feel.