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

But what stands out most in our minds is that videos show some people continuing to film as the situation worsened, an unsettling reminder of how the urge to document can compete with the urge to act. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 4 Jan. 2026

Copyright law veterans Jonathan Handel and Mishawn Nolan weighed in on a panel at October’s Infinity Festival, offering an unsettling preview. —Dade Hayes, Deadline, 3 Jan. 2026

Trump’s rhetoric, if unusually bombastic, even unsettling, was nonetheless bound by existing institutions. —Jason Blakely, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025

The American Cemetery’s unsettling serenity reminds one that freedom comes with responsibility and at a tremendous cost. —Fiona Donovan, Vanity Fair, 30 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1665, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unsettling

• settling
• resettling