unsettle

verb

un·​set·​tle ˌən-ˈse-tᵊl 

unsettled; unsettling; unsettles

transitive verb

1

: to loosen or move from a settled state or condition : make unstable : disorder

A mild aftershock unsettled several more structures.

2

: to perturb or agitate mentally or emotionally : discompose

Such a sudden change will only unsettle her.

intransitive verb

: to become unsettled

Synonyms of unsettle

• disturb
• distract
• bother
• alarm
• worry
• concern
• agitate

Examples of unsettle in a Sentence

Such a sudden change will unsettle her.

the news that the local grocery store had sold contaminated produce unsettled many shoppers

Recent Examples on the Web

The weekend and early next week look unsettled, with several systems tracking through the Midwest. —Brandi D. Addison, IndyStar, 3 Dec. 2025

The weekend and early next week look unsettled, with a series of disturbances tracking through the Great Lakes. —Brandi D. Addison, Freep.com, 3 Dec. 2025

Their dynamic frontline, including creative talents like Lamine Yamal and, when fit, players such as Pedri, combines pace and flair that can unsettle even the stiffest defences. —Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Dec. 2025

My extremely online brother was far from fooled, but he was unsettled. —Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 19 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for unsettle

• betel
• cetyl
• kettle
• metal
• mettle
• nettle
• petal
• setal
• settle
• diacetyl
• gunmetal
• nonmetal

Kids Definition

unsettle

verb

un·​set·​tle ˌən-ˈset-ᵊl 

ˈən-

1

: to move or loosen from a settled state

2

: to make uneasy

change unsettles him