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

With him are other notorious killers like Charles Manson and Ed Kemper, a moment creator Ryan Murphy said reflects the far-reaching and unsettling influence Gein’s crimes had on society. —Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2025

This time around, while Chambers remains turned away, Teasdale crouches with an unsettling smile and long fingernails, conjuring a skin-crawling suspense. —Sophie Williams, Billboard, 10 Oct. 2025

Watching Figure 03 in action, cleaning, folding laundry, or serving food, can be both fascinating and unsettling. —Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2025

Seeing Johnson turn off his pro-wrestler, movie-star charm beneath Kerr’s heavy brow is somehow heartbreaking, and a little unsettling. —David Sims, The Atlantic, 9 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1665, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unsettling

• settling
• resettling