distraught
adjective C1
Plain meaning
extremely upset and unable to think clearly
Exam-register meaning
In academic or exam writing, this is used to discuss extremely upset and unable to think clearly in a more precise way.
In context
naturalThe report described distraught parents in a clear and practical way.
examThe findings show that distraught parents can influence educational, social, or economic outcomes.
Common collocations
distraught parentsdistraught after the accidentlook distraught
Watch out
Do not overuse it as a direct replacement for “good/bad”. Use it with natural nouns such as “distraught parents”.