unsettled

adjective

un·​set·​tled ˌən-ˈse-tᵊld 

: not settled: such as

a(1)

: not calm or tranquil : disturbed

unsettled political conditions

(2)

: likely to vary widely especially in the near future : variable

unsettled weather

(3)

: not settled down

unsettled dust

b(1)

: not decided or determined : doubtful

an unsettled state of mind

(2)

: not resolved or worked out : undecided

an unsettled question

c

: characterized by irregularity

an unsettled life

d

: not inhabited or populated

unsettled land

e

: not mentally sound

f(1)

: not disposed of according to law

an unsettled estate

(2)

: not paid or discharged

unsettled debts

unsettledness

ˌən-ˈse-tᵊl(d)-nəs 

noun

Synonyms of unsettled

• volatile
• unpredictable
• unstable
• changeful

Examples of unsettled in a Sentence

We have some unsettled business to attend to.

we've been having a lot of unsettled weather lately

Recent Examples on the Web

The incident unsettled neighbors, including Fateema Masuma, 20, who lives two doors away. —Emma Seiwell, New York Daily News, 7 Jan. 2026

Venezuela’s political situation remains unsettled. —Dallas Morning News, 5 Jan. 2026

When Nicolás Maduro assumed Venezuela’s presidency in 2013, the country was already deeply unsettled after years of political polarization under Hugo Chávez, marked by shrinking freedoms and violent crackdowns on dissent. —Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 Jan. 2026

His wife and children — and Pampers duty as well — should keep him from dwelling on an unsettled future. —Jesse Newell, New York Times, 1 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1550, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unsettled

• resettled
• metalled
• nettled
• settled

Kids Definition

unsettled

adjective

un·​set·​tled ˌən-ˈset-ᵊld 

ˈən-

1

: not settled : not fixed (as in position or nature)

unsettled weather

2

: not calm : disturbed

unsettled waters

3

: not decided in mind : undetermined

unsettled about what to do

4

: not paid

an unsettled account

5

: not lived in by settlers

an unsettled region