harried
Say it: HARR-eed /ˈhærid/ · adjective
What “harried” means
Stressed because too many people or tasks need your attention.
More precisely: Strained and anxious from too many demands.
Example: “The harried manager answered emails while eating lunch at her desk.”
When to use it
Use it when competing demands leave someone rushed and strained. It is common in descriptions of busy workers or parents.
Similar words
harassed, stressed, beleaguered
Quick check
Three customers need help, the phone is ringing and a delivery has arrived, all at once. How does the assistant look?
indignant or harried?
Show the answer
harried
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