Fraught

Meaning

Filled with or causing distress; involving a great deal of risk or difficulty

Origin / Etymology

Middle English fraughten, from Middle Dutch vrachten (to load a ship); originally meant 'laden with cargo'

Synonyms

Tense Precarious Charged Perilous Stressful

Antonyms

Smooth Untroubled Easy Calm Stable

Example Sentence

"India-Canada relations remain fraught following diplomatic expulsions and unresolved allegations about Khalistani networks operating on Canadian soil."

🎯 UPSC Usage

Essential for GS2 (international relations) and essay writing. Use to describe unstable bilateral relationships or policy environments marked by deep uncertainty, e.g., India-Pakistan ties, India-China border negotiations, or contested reforms.

Relevant Subjects