unsettled

adjective

un·​set·​tled ˌən-ˈse-tᵊld How to pronounce unsettled (audio)
: not settled: such as
a(1)
: not calm or tranquil : disturbed
unsettled political conditions
(2)
: likely to vary widely especially in the near future : variable
unsettled weather
(3)
: not settled down
unsettled dust
b(1)
: not decided or determined : doubtful
an unsettled state of mind
(2)
: not resolved or worked out : undecided
an unsettled question
c
: characterized by irregularity
an unsettled life
d
: not inhabited or populated
unsettled land
e
: not mentally sound
f(1)
: not disposed of according to law
an unsettled estate
(2)
: not paid or discharged
unsettled debts
unsettledness noun

Examples of unsettled in a Sentence

We have some unsettled business to attend to. we've been having a lot of unsettled weather lately
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.
Valverde set his side up dangerously, opting for Álex Berengeur as a false nine, and looking to unpick an unsettled Betis defence. Sam Leveridge, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025 Since this law is new, there are still many unsettled issues related to it, city sustainability manager Crystal Najera and other city employees said Wednesday. Barbara Henry, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Aug. 2025 Contortionists Unreal unsettled audience members as much as the choir had delighted them. Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 28 Aug. 2025 Strong has been a solid special teams player, but the running back room remains unsettled. Zac Jackson, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unsettled

Word History

First Known Use

1550, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unsettled was in 1550

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unsettled.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unsettled. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

unsettled

adjective
un·​set·​tled ˌən-ˈset-ᵊld How to pronounce unsettled (audio)
ˈən-
1
: not settled : not fixed (as in position or nature)
unsettled weather
2
: not calm : disturbed
unsettled waters
3
: not decided in mind : undetermined
unsettled about what to do
4
: not paid
an unsettled account
5
: not lived in by settlers
an unsettled region

More from Merriam-Webster on unsettled

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