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

The wild swings in temperatures can be unsettling for people, Francis and others said, and also reflect the realities of a warming climate. —Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026

Though Lomeli denied both her 2021 and 2026 petitions, she is allowed to continue filing similar requests in the future, a notion that is deeply unsettling for Gabriel’s relatives. —Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2026

Known as turbulence, this in-flight physical phenomenon can feel quite unsettling. —Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 31 Mar. 2026

Its raw meaning can be unsettling, even for those sitting in a pew. —Michael J Christensen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1665, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unsettling

• settling
• resettling