unsettled

1 of 2

adjective

un·​set·​tled ˌən-ˈse-tᵊld 

: 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

ˌən-ˈse-tᵊl(d)-nəs 

noun

unsettled

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of unsettle

Synonyms of unsettled

Adjective

• volatile
• unpredictable
• unstable
• changeful

Examples of unsettled in a Sentence

Adjective

We have some unsettled business to attend to.

we've been having a lot of unsettled weather lately

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

One game in, much about Aurich’s defense at Nebraska remains unsettled. — Mitch Sherman, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026

Another day, another doomsday AI post that leaves the public feeling unsettled, anxious, and unsure what to do next. — Emily Forlini, Fortune, 10 Sep. 2026

This is probably the most unsettled aspect of the team at the start of training camp, which is still relative. — Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 10 Sep. 2026

In that section, gruesome murders have spooked what few locals there are, and the boy, Caleb (Atticus Affleck), has a shifty, older-than-his years air about him that makes farmer Emmett (Scoot McNairy) quite unsettled. — Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 8 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1550, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unsettled

• resettled
• metalled
• nettled
• settled

Kids Definition

unsettled

adjective

un·​set·​tled ˌən-ˈset-ᵊld 

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