disturbing

adjective

dis·​turb·​ing di-ˈstər-biŋ 

: causing feelings of worry, concern, or anxiety

disturbing news

a disturbing discovery

The next phase in which I had a part was even more disturbing, and infinitely more painful.

—Bram Stoker

disturbingly

di-ˈstər-biŋ-lē 

adverb

disturbingly high levels of pollution

a disturbingly familiar problem

… the texture of ordinary life and talk has taken on a disturbingly ambiguous quality …

—Jonathan Raban

Synonyms of disturbing

• annoying
• frustrating
• irritating

Examples of disturbing in a Sentence

a disturbing visit by the next-door neighbor while I was trying to study

there was a disturbing silence as I struggled to remember her name

a disturbing trend in the nation's energy consumption

a disturbing pause in the normally smooth operation of the machinery

Recent Examples on the Web

That decision turns 50 next week — read more about its disturbing origin story. — Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 25 June 2026

This past Juneteenth weekend saw a spate of shooting incidents that underscored a disturbing trend. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2026

Neighbors in the community say the incident is deeply disturbing, as kids are always walking to the bus stop, passing, and playing in the park. — Jessica Riley, CBS News, 23 June 2026

Horror remains one of the few realms where difficult and disturbing stories are an asset, but underrepresented creators should still have more reach. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 2 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing disturbing

• disturbing the peace

Rhymes for disturbing

• perturbing
• curbing