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unstrung

unstrung

1 7.6
Very nervous and unable to think clearly after a shock or stress
  • adjective
  • /ʌnˈstrʌŋ/
: nervioso
  • After the unexpected changes at work, he felt completely unstrung and unable to concentrate.

Examples

  • She was so unstrung after hearing the bad news that she could hardly speak.

  • You're just all unstrung.

  • You, for instance: you are completely unstrung.

    Fiction book (1998)
  • Once upon a time, I took two leaves from an unstrung flower in the mountains.

    Fiction book (1992)
  • I awoke the next morning feeling unstrung and queer.

    Fiction book (1998)
  • Sid must be feeling unstrung, Carol confided to Lysle.

    Fiction book (2000)
  • The sudden loud noise left me feeling unstrung and anxious for the rest of the day.

Synonyms

panicked
vsunstrung
54 4.6

Feeling sudden, strong fear that makes it hard to think or act calmly

is broader, covering shock or stress beyond sudden fear
unnerved
vsunstrung
11 5.8

Feeling nervous and unsure of yourself

is stronger, involving severe shock and inability to think calmly
unglued
vsunstrung
  • Informal
8 6.1

Too upset to stay calm under pressure

is more about intense nervousness and inability to think clearly
discombobulated
vsunstrung
  • Informal
6 9.9

Confused and unable to think clearly after something unexpected

is more about intense nervous upset and inability to think calmly
unstill
vsunstrung
1 7.7

Restless and unable to keep calm

is mainly emotional panic or upset rather than simple restlessness
consternated
vsunstrung
  • Archaic
1 8.4

Feeling very surprised and worried by something unexpected

is less focused on surprise reaction and more on sustained nervous upset
unrelaxed
vsunstrung
1 5.6

Feeling nervous and tense because of worry or pressure

is more extreme, adding upset and inability to think calmly
overstrung
vsunstrung
1 8.2

Feeling very nervous and tense because of worry

is upset and unable to think calmly from shock or stress

Antonyms

680 1.0

Not showing strong feelings and being very still

23 3.9

Calm and in control during a difficult situation

20 4.3

Calm and in control of your feelings during stress

How Nervous

unstrung
1 7.6
anxious
230 2.7
nervous
∞ 1.3
uneasy
92 3.2
calm
680 1.0

Surface Forms

unstrung positive

Morphology

unstrung = string (semi-transparent) = un + strung

The composition 'un-' + past participle 'strung' is formally clear, but the adjectival meaning 'nervous, upset' is a figurative extension not directly derivable by all learners.

Etymology

Unstrung comes from un- plus strung, from string, which is a 'tight cord'. If a guitar is unstrung its strings are loose or removed and it cannot play, so a person who is unstrung feels 'not held together' — nervous, upset, or unable to think clearly.