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 of unsettling

• 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

Ariel and Sam have created something intimate, unsettling and darkly funny in the best way. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 20 Apr. 2026

The unsettling symmetry of the current moment is that the infrastructure videos and hot-water memes are playing the same role in reverse. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 19 Apr. 2026

In the midst of that bizarre and unsettling year, Charley and Rick were voices of normalcy. —Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2026

Austin’s unsettling visions of the future put them in service positions, always deferring to another person’s needs. —Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 17 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1665, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unsettling

• settling
• resettling