What does harried mean?
Harried describes someone who is worried, troubled, or overwhelmed by pressure, persistent problems, or an unmanageable number of demands. Its image is of someone under siege: not merely having one concern, but being continually beset by difficulties. The adjective is often used with expressions of appearance or feeling, as in “a harried expression” or “feel harried,” and it commonly has a somewhat formal or literary tone. In older and more literary contexts, it can also suggest being subjected to harassment or repeated attack, though its dominant modern sense is psychological. Harried is easy to confuse with hurried, but the distinction is important: hurried means acting quickly or being late, while harried means being worried or worn down by pressure. Although it can sound dramatic, the word is suitable for describing the strain created by deadlines, family demands, financial problems, or relentless interruptions.
adjectiveWorried, anxious, or troubled, especially because of persistent pressure, difficulties, or demands. It can also convey a sense of being repeatedly bothered or harassed.
- Worried, anxious, or overwhelmed by pressure or difficulties.
- Troubled or repeatedly bothered by persistent problems.
- Subjected to harassment or persistent attack.
"After a week of difficult negotiations, she looked exhausted and harried."
"The harried parents had not had a moment of peace since the children came home."
"Struggling to keep up with the constant interruptions, he stared at the screen with a harried expression."
Harried originally evokes a person under relentless attack; today it describes the modern siege of deadlines, worries, and demands.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does harried come from?
Harried is the past participle and adjectival form of harry. The word descends from Old English herian, meaning “to ravage, attack, or lay waste,” through Middle English usage. Its modern figurative sense developed from the idea of being repeatedly attacked or troubled. Harried is therefore related in origin to harry, although its present-day usage is predominantly about anxiety and pressure rather than physical assault.
How harried is actually used
The word is mainly figurative and often sounds slightly formal or literary. It is especially common in predicative constructions such as “feel harried” and in phrases describing a worried or exhausted appearance.
Easily confused with harried
Harried means worried, troubled, or pressed by difficulties, whereas hurried means rushed or trying to act quickly.