disturbing

1 of 2

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

disturbing

2 of 2

present participle of disturb

Synonyms of disturbing

Adjective

• annoying
• frustrating
• irritating

Examples of disturbing in a Sentence

Adjective

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

Adjective

The disturbing incident comes amidst a sharp increase in both felony and misdemeanor assaults in the subway system. — Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 19 Aug. 2026

The lawyers for the woman accusing Gomez of misconduct said this week's probe highlighted a broad and disturbing pattern. — Emily R. Condon, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2026

The story follows a husband and wife who buy their dream ranch only to discover the land is alive with ancient spirits, and survival means submitting to increasingly disturbing rituals with each turn of the season. — Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 18 Aug. 2026

For the couple, survival will mean submitting to increasingly disturbing rituals with each turn of the season. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 18 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1594, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing disturbing

• disturbing the peace

Rhymes for disturbing

• perturbing
• curbing