What does upset mean?
“Upset” is a widely used word for describing both an emotional state and the effect one person or event has on another. An upset person feels sad, worried, angry, or generally distressed, while an event or decision may be described as upsetting when it causes those feelings. The word can also have a physical or mechanical sense: something upsets a balance, a boat, or a plan by overturning or disarranging it. As a noun, an upset is an unexpected disturbance or reversal, such as a surprising defeat in a sporting contest or a sudden change in political fortunes. Although the emotional use is especially common, older and more formal contexts also use upset to mean overturned, displaced, or thrown into confusion. Its usefulness lies in this range: the same word can describe a person’s feelings, a disturbing influence, and a dramatic reversal.
Feeling or showing sadness, worry, anger, or emotional distress; also, disordered or affected by disturbance, as in an upset stomach.
"The children were upset about the sudden cancellation."
To cause someone to feel sad, worried, or angry; to overturn, disarrange, or unsettle something; or to defeat unexpectedly.
"The news upset many of the fans."
A state of emotional distress, or an unexpected disturbance, reversal, or defeat.
"The team’s victory was a major upset."
The plural is used for unexpected reversals, defeats, or disturbances, as in a series of political upsets.
"The election was marked by several unexpected upsets."
The word upset began with the idea of setting something up, but its meaning eventually moved in the opposite direction: toward overturning, disarranging, or emotionally troubling it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does upset come from?
The English word dates from late Middle English and was formed from up and set. It originally meant to set up or raise something, as in setting a trap or a support, before the sense developed toward overturning or reversing something. Its emotional meaning is a later figurative extension, associated with being thrown into disorder or disturbance.
Related word forms
How upset is actually used
In its emotional senses, upset is common in everyday speech and informal writing. It is often followed by about, by, or with: upset about the results, upset by the delay, upset with the decision. The verb can also mean to overturn or disarrange something, as in upset the balance, while the noun can refer to a sudden political, sporting, or competitive reversal.