disturbing

1 of 2

adjective

dis·​turb·​ing di-ˈstər-biŋ 

: causing feelings of worry, concern, or anxiety

disturbing news

a disturbing discovery

The next phase in which I had a part was even more disturbing, and infinitely more painful.

—Bram Stoker

disturbingly

di-ˈstər-biŋ-lē 

adverb

disturbingly high levels of pollution

a disturbingly familiar problem

… the texture of ordinary life and talk has taken on a disturbingly ambiguous quality …

—Jonathan Raban

disturbing

2 of 2

present participle of disturb

Synonyms of disturbing

Adjective

• annoying
• frustrating
• irritating

Examples of disturbing in a Sentence

Adjective

a disturbing visit by the next-door neighbor while I was trying to study

there was a disturbing silence as I struggled to remember her name

a disturbing trend in the nation's energy consumption

a disturbing pause in the normally smooth operation of the machinery

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The first preview opens with an innocent domestic exchange between a mother and daughter that abruptly transforms into something strikingly disturbing. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 12 Oct. 2026

Brian had written down the recipe, and, in his back shed, Michael, with the eventual assistance of Kasey, sets about following it into strange and disturbing territory. — Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026

Artificial’s timeliness in that regard is striking, even disturbing. — David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 5 Oct. 2026

At the time, the Tompkins County District Attorney declined to bring charges, this week telling ABC News the allegations may be morally disturbing, but Jane Doe's account in 2024 did not constitute a crime. — ABC News, 4 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1594, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing disturbing

• disturbing the peace

Rhymes for disturbing

• perturbing
• curbing