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

Such a superhuman magnification of the individual is unsettling to behold at close range. — Alex Ross, New Yorker, 12 Nov. 2026

Ava Leijten, a student who lives in the residence hall, said the possibility that one or more suspects could have had access to the building was unsettling. — Madisen Keavy, CBS News, 10 Nov. 2026

How to balance such shenanigans with the unavoidably unsettling undertones of this story? — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 10 Nov. 2026

Sensuous, unsettling and quietly provocative, Aroma keeps its deepest secret just beyond reach. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 10 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1665, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unsettling

• settling
• resettling