unsettling

1 of 2

adjective

un·​set·​tling

ˌən-ˈset-liŋ, 

-ˈse-tᵊl-iŋ 

: having the effect of upsetting, disturbing, or discomposing

unsettling images of the war

unsettlingly

ˌən-ˈset-liŋ-lē, 

-ˈse-tᵊl-iŋ- 

adverb

unsettling

2 of 2

present participle of unsettle

Synonyms of unsettling

Adjective

• disturbing
• troubling
• frightening

Examples of unsettling in a Sentence

Adjective

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

Adjective

So on Wednesday, after a full day of quiet, more people than usual were out on the streets in Kherson, enjoying the short glimpse of peaceful life, though many said the calm still felt unsettling. — Arkansas Online, 29 Oct. 2026

At last, Harrison Butker has a reprieve from the widening public spotlight — but only because its glow is shining instead on a kicker more unsettling than the one enduring a slump. — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 29 Oct. 2026

As Melanie, Mitch, and his family try to stay safe inside his family home, the film comes to its truly unsettling climax. — Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2026

The house’s second floor has also been the site of unsettling experiences, Chelsea said. — Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 28 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1665, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unsettling

• settling
• resettling