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

When someone appears to deny what feels obvious or true, the conflict can feel more disturbing than merely having different perspectives. — Andras Molnar, The Conversation, 13 Aug. 2026

But no one can ignore the reality that New York has experienced a disturbing rise in antisemitic attacks. — Simcha Itzkowitz, New York Daily News, 12 Aug. 2026

For people who live just steps from the home where the gun violence erupted, the incident was both disturbing and unsettling. — Jeff Capellini, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026

That court hearing was preceded by an unusual and disturbing summary of the case filed with the court by Hochman. — Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing disturbing

• disturbing the peace

Rhymes for disturbing

• perturbing
• curbing