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.
Sergeant Ashley Smith, a police officer of 16 years, published a TikTok video about the troubling criminal trend. Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 23 June 2026 Nagamori says several factors are driving this troubling trend. Hanako Montgomery, CNN Money, 22 June 2026 Law enforcement was only alerted to the plot after the mother of Ohio man, Tycen Proper, raised concerns to police about his recent amassing of firearms and troubling conversations with individuals online. Alexander Mallin, ABC News, 22 June 2026 The difference tells us something troubling about our times. Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes.com, 21 June 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 26 Jun. 2026.

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