troubling

adjective

trou·​bling ˈtrə-b(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce troubling (audio)
Synonyms of troublingnext
: causing feelings of worry or anxiety
a troubling news report
It's not just trauma survivors who may be distracted or derailed by shocking or troubling material …Angus Johnston
troublingly adverb

Examples of troubling in a Sentence

the most troubling sign of all is that he's stopped returning my phone calls
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.
If messages pile up, pause notifications for at least an hour — do your best to spend that hour focused on whatever task is most troubling you. Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 31 Mar. 2026 One of those men, the late James Clemensen, opened Agape Boarding School in Missouri in 1996, a connection some find troubling. Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 31 Mar. 2026 In this context, CCSU’s tighter alignment with the tech sector appears especially troubling, binding the university more closely to an industry increasingly met with skepticism, concern, and low public trust. Dr. Timothy Scott, Hartford Courant, 31 Mar. 2026 This follows an already notable nearly 7 percent year-on-year decline in January, signaling a troubling trend for one of Sri Lanka’s most vital industries. Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 31 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for troubling

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of troubling was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Troubling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/troubling. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.

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