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.
Even here in Massachusetts — long considered the nation’s top-performing state— MCAS scores show troubling declines in core subjects like reading and math. Robert Casper, Boston Herald, 24 Feb. 2026 Second, and equally troubling, California is facing an access to vision care crisis. Brian Park, Mercury News, 24 Feb. 2026 Not after commissioner Roger Goodell and Tisch released statements that were varying degrees of troubling and empty and insufficient. Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 24 Feb. 2026 And here is another troubling detail. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 23 Feb. 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 2 Mar. 2026.

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