troubling

adjective

trou·​bling ˈtrə-b(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce troubling (audio)
Synonyms of troublingnext
: causing feelings of worry or anxiety
a troubling news report
It's not just trauma survivors who may be distracted or derailed by shocking or troubling material …Angus Johnston
troublingly adverb

Examples of troubling in a Sentence

the most troubling sign of all is that he's stopped returning my phone calls
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Instead, the Magic morphed from road worriers into road warriors, while the Pistons added another chapter to a troubling trend. Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Apr. 2026 Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson could be an option, but his injuries (knee as a freshman, collarbone as a junior, hamstring as a senior) are troubling. Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 20 Apr. 2026 The parallels are unmistakable and constitutionally troubling. Jeffrey S. Trimbath, Baltimore Sun, 20 Apr. 2026 That’s a potentially troubling sign for the Royals when the team captain offers a rebuttal on social media to something said by the manager. Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 19 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for troubling

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of troubling was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Troubling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/troubling. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.

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