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

Adrià describes a world filtered through adolescence, where people, places and situations can appear idealized, magical or unsettling. — Callum McLennan, Variety, 23 Sep. 2026

Of course, there is something unsettling with sexuality [being] connected with childhood. — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 20 Sep. 2026

But after his son Eugene Horsch, 44, was arrested in June on charges involving unlawful firearms and forgery, police made a series of unsettling discoveries at the family home on Chew Avenue in Philly's Olney neighborhood. — Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 19 Sep. 2026

Such an effort would have intriguing but unsettling implications. — Andrew Lawler, The Atlantic, 18 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1665, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unsettling

• settling
• resettling