unsettling

adjective

un·​set·​tling
ˌən-ˈset-liŋ,
-ˈse-tᵊl-iŋ How to pronounce unsettling (audio)
: having the effect of upsetting, disturbing, or discomposing
unsettling images of the war
unsettlingly
ˌən-ˈset-liŋ-lē
-ˈse-tᵊl-iŋ- How to pronounce unsettling (audio)
adverb

Examples of unsettling in a Sentence

unsettling new developments in the effort to bring peace and stability to that region had the unsettling task of picking out a coffin and making the other funeral arrangements for his father
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.
Witch-burning, frightening folklore, and centuries of war and bloodshed have imparted an unsettling ambience in destinations like Edinburgh. Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 18 Oct. 2025 Her poetry carries it all—the metaphysical, the flirtatious, the unsettling, the provocative— all in such miniscule space. Literary Hub, 17 Oct. 2025 Halfmann found it a bit unsettling to think that so many cells carry these self-destruct buttons just waiting to be pushed. Jon Hamilton, NPR, 16 Oct. 2025 Not to mention the unsettling score by Atticus Derrickson, his son, that will do nothing to lower your blood pressure. Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unsettling

Word History

First Known Use

1665, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unsettling was in 1665

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Cite this Entry

“Unsettling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unsettling. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on unsettling

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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