unsettling

adjective

un·​set·​tling
ˌən-ˈset-liŋ,
-ˈse-tᵊl-iŋ How to pronounce unsettling (audio)
: having the effect of upsetting, disturbing, or discomposing
unsettling images of the war
unsettlingly
ˌən-ˈset-liŋ-lē
-ˈse-tᵊl-iŋ- How to pronounce unsettling (audio)
adverb

Examples of unsettling in a Sentence

unsettling new developments in the effort to bring peace and stability to that region had the unsettling task of picking out a coffin and making the other funeral arrangements for his father
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.
The pit and toy poodle mix, adopted from a rescue ranch called The Barking Lot outside San Diego, found the sudden arrival of towering boxes and disappearing furniture deeply unsettling. Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 July 2025 Guan Un imagines something more unsettling: Sisyphus needing tech support with his stone. John Wiswell, People.com, 3 July 2025 The decision has left some in an unsettling state of limbo. Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2025 Regardless of your political leanings, there is a lot going on these days that can feel unsettling, uncertain or upsetting. Jeanne Sahadi, CNN Money, 1 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for unsettling

Word History

First Known Use

1665, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unsettling was in 1665

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Cite this Entry

“Unsettling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unsettling. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on unsettling

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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