frazzled

adjective

fraz·​zled ˈfra-zəld 

1

: in a state of extreme physical or nervous fatigue and agitation

So relentlessly did my partner and I spring into our work throughout the week that by Saturday night we were frazzled wrecks.

—Jack London

A frazzled looking housefrau [=hausfrau], clutching a toilet scrub brush in one hand and the fist of a wailing toddler in the other, confronted me with a look of pure exasperation.

—Paul Di Filippo

She seems relaxed, breathing evenly; there's nothing here to get her frazzled.

—Bob Ottum

2

: damaged or weakened by strain or agitation : frayed

trying to soothe frazzled nerves

Examples of frazzled in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Feeling overworked, undervalued, and generally a bit frazzled? —Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 4 Feb. 2025

The sea held my gaze, lulling my frazzled nervous system (as did the perfect Mexican margarita, putting Texan versions to shame). —Brittani Sonnenberg, Travel + Leisure, 1 Feb. 2025

But after Brian Dumoulin’s dump-in took a fortuitous hop off the end boards and into the slot, McTavish glided into the puck and dazzled with his dangles, working a frazzled Nedeljkovic out of position to sweep in his ninth goal of 2024-25. —Andrew Knoll, Orange County Register, 24 Jan. 2025

Nembhard, too frazzled to make a pass immediately, needs a moment to gather himself, but Hart must act quickly. —Fred Katz, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1854, in the meaning defined at sense 2