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

• 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

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

Word History

First Known Use

1665, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unsettling

• settling
• resettling