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.
One of the most unsettling moments at UFC 315 occurred when Bruno Silva left the Octagon after suffering a knockout loss to Marc-Andre Barriault on the early prelims of the fight card. Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025 His Emilio is the protagonist and, although all the characters are given a shot at Death, Jacobs as Emilio is the most unsettling. Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 15 May 2025 Regard jury prize in 2016 for his darkly mesmerizing thriller Harmonium, returns to the Croisette this week with Love on Trial, a social drama that attempts to peel back the glossy surface of idol culture to expose its unsettling power dynamics. Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 2025 In hindsight, clips of guests and Combs himself discussing his parties are, indeed, damning and unsettling to watch. Kyndall Cunningham, Vox, 12 May 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 23 May. 2025.

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