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 of unsettling

• 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

Some of the iconography of Michael’s life is too strange not to be unsettling and too iconic to change. —Paul A. Thompson, Pitchfork, 27 Apr. 2026

Yet Russell’s likability also throws the character’s crimes into relief, making their horrors and ramifications more striking and unsettling by their contrast with his superficial amiability. —Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 27 Apr. 2026

The promotion of Triple-A manager Chad Tracy as Cora’s interim replacement and the dramatic makeover of the coaching staff 27 games into the season likely will be unsettling for the entire club. —Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2026

Recall news may be unsettling, but the Ranger remains one of the most competitive models in its segment. —Saleen Martin, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1665, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unsettling

• settling
• resettling