unsettling

adjective

un·​set·​tling
ˌən-ˈset-liŋ,
-ˈse-tᵊl-iŋ How to pronounce unsettling (audio)
: having the effect of upsetting, disturbing, or discomposing
unsettling images of the war
unsettlingly
ˌən-ˈset-liŋ-lē
-ˈse-tᵊl-iŋ- How to pronounce unsettling (audio)
adverb

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Louise Hémon The jury would also like to acknowledge a director whose film transported us into an extreme landscape, and created an unsettling atmosphere that kept us contemplating the nature of lust, education, and violence. Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 24 Oct. 2025 Soon, though, her world is turned upside down by an unsettling and persistent stalker — or just a figment of her own fracturing psyche. Chris Snellgrove, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Oct. 2025 Typical of a Lanthimos movie, the narrative is both absurdly funny and darkly unsettling. Joe Reid, Vulture, 24 Oct. 2025 The haunting visuals, which also include faceless people and unsettling collages of creepy eyes, contrast the booming production of the track and its raunchy lyrics. Juan J. Arroyo, Rolling Stone, 23 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unsettling

Word History

First Known Use

1665, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unsettling was in 1665

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Cite this Entry

“Unsettling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unsettling. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on unsettling

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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