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 film follows Niaz (Bakhtadze), a once-famous star of Georgian cinema who embarks on a bizarre and fatalistic odyssey of self-transformation, after an unsettling audition with a young female director looking to cast him in a minor part. — Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026

Learning from the doctor that your cholesterol levels are higher than recommended can be an unsettling wake-up call. — Gavin Escott, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2026

This has caused longer transit times as ships look for alternative routes, driving up fuel and insurance costs, as well as unsettling supply chains. — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 19 Aug. 2026

School scenes, one pupil getting questioned about his threat of violence against schoolmates, and images of the protagonists in the forest create unsettling atmosphere. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 17 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1665, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unsettling

• settling
• resettling