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

The bill is coming due just as Volkswagen faces an unsettling commercial fact. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026

The whole unsettling scene was made far worse by Stephens’ reaction in the immediate aftermath of the hit. — Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026

Verity is packed with twists and unsettling moments — ones that make viewers question what’s fiction versus reality. — Michaela Zee, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2026

Yet the unsettling reality is that the conflict is nowhere near over. — Ali Vaez, Foreign Affairs, 29 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1665, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unsettling

• settling
• resettling