troubling

adjective

trou·​bling ˈtrə-b(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce troubling (audio)
: 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.
Despite all the troubling news and events around the world, there are still good things around us. Sam Woodward, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2025 To Flores' family and outreach groups, the lack of urgency sends a troubling message: missing unhoused people aren't a priority. Gina Lee Castro, jsonline.com, 30 Aug. 2025 This is troubling given the persistently low representation of women in leadership overall and the typically shorter tenure of women CEOs compared to men. Liz Elting, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025 But for job seekers in tech, the data is especially troubling. Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2025 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 Sep. 2025.

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