unsettling

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

Synonyms

• disturbing
• troubling
• frightening

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

It’s had a number of harrowing trailers and is now releasing full clips that the internet is finding deeply unsettling. —Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025

Tell me what were some of the other possibilities that were floated to deal with this unsettling initial singularity? —Quanta Magazine, 24 July 2025

Perhaps the unknown is what feels unsettling for the child left behind. —Melissa Willets, Parents, 23 July 2025

Regulatory headwinds, an unproven business model, and the unsettling proposition of summoning a stranger’s car from a smartphone app made most seasoned investors balk. —Laura Huang, Harvard Business Review, 17 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1665, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unsettling

• settling
• resettling