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 series explores the unsettling collision of ancient witchcraft beliefs and modern digital dating culture. — Samantha Bergeson, Time, 22 Oct. 2026

Being followed by another car has to be one of the most unsettling experiences on the road. — Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 22 Oct. 2026

During one of the film’s most unsettling sequences, the main character, Peter, wakes up in bed disoriented. — Arryn Robbins, Washington Post, 21 Oct. 2026

For Sutley, the destruction exposed something unsettling about the buildings engineers design. — Daniel Wolfe, Miami Herald, 21 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1665, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unsettling

• settling
• resettling