unsettle

verb

un·​set·​tle ˌən-ˈse-tᵊl 

unsettled; unsettling; unsettles

transitive verb

1

: to loosen or move from a settled state or condition : make unstable : disorder

A mild aftershock unsettled several more structures.

2

: to perturb or agitate mentally or emotionally : discompose

Such a sudden change will only unsettle her.

intransitive verb

: to become unsettled

Synonyms of unsettle

• disturb
• distract
• bother
• alarm
• worry
• concern
• agitate

Examples of unsettle in a Sentence

Such a sudden change will unsettle her.

the news that the local grocery store had sold contaminated produce unsettled many shoppers

Recent Examples on the Web

Just like the Strait of Hormuz, the Bab el-Mandeb is a critical transit route for global oil supplies and any disruption, or even a serious threat of disruption, could unsettle markets again. — Steve Kopack, NBC news, 22 July 2026

However, analysts said such a move would amount to a large-scale tax cut, and the remarks also unsettled investors. — CNBC, 21 July 2026

Spain lost the 2025 Nations League final to Portugal on penalties, its first defeat of note under De la Fuente in a major final, but the setback did nothing to unsettle the federation’s plan. — Sam Leveridge, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

There is a versatility to Spain that can embrace the transition and accelerate the game — using the moments of brief chaos to their advantage when the opposition are unsettled. — Mark Carey, New York Times, 18 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for unsettle

• betel
• cetyl
• kettle
• metal
• mettle
• nettle
• petal
• setal
• settle
• acetyl
• bimetal
• gunmetal

Kids Definition

unsettle

verb

un·​set·​tle ˌən-ˈset-ᵊl 

ˈən-

1

: to move or loosen from a settled state

2

: to make uneasy

change unsettles him