Synonyms of unsettled

unsettled 1 of 2

adjective

ˌən-ˈse-tᵊld 

1

as in volatile

likely to change frequently, suddenly, or unexpectedly

we've been having a lot of unsettled weather lately

Synonyms & Similar Words

• volatile
• unpredictable
• unstable
• changeful
• uncertain
• inconsistent
• variable
• fluctuating
• mercurial
• capricious
• changeable
• mutable
• inconstant
• fickle
• temperamental
• unsteady
• erratic
• skittish
• up in the air
• scattered
• shaky
• fluid
• ambivalent
• random
• aimless
• unreliable
• haphazard
• flickery
• arbitrary
• stray
• slapdash
• desultory
• dicey
• untrustworthy
• hit-or-miss
• undependable
• irregular
• vacillating
• wavering
• hesitating
• adaptable
• versatile
• protean
• mobile
• shilly-shallying
• shilly-shally

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• certain
• settled
• constant
• stable
• predictable
• steady
• unchanging
• invariable
• stationary
• unchangeable
• immutable
• uniform
• even
• persistent
• permanent
• changeless
• unvarying
• abiding
• equable
• durable
• lasting
• reliable
• sure
• true
• dependable
• trustworthy
• trusty
• tried
• tried-and-true

2

as in unpaid

not yet paid

I keep unsettled bills next to the checkbook

Synonyms & Similar Words

• unpaid
• outstanding
• owing
• payable
• owed
• due
• overdue
• mature

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• cleared
• settled
• repaid
• liquidated
• paid (off or up)
• prepaid

3

as in pending

not yet settled or decided

we can't move on as long as this important question remains unsettled

Synonyms & Similar Words

• pending
• unresolved
• undetermined
• debatable
• undecided
• open
• uncertain
• in hand
• hanging
• unsure
• moot
• arguable
• disputable

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• resolved
• decided
• settled
• confirmed
• determined
• certain
• sure
• established

4

as in unsure

not feeling sure about the truth, wisdom, or trustworthiness of someone or something

I'm still unsettled about whether I should take that job

Synonyms & Similar Words

• unsure
• skeptical
• suspicious
• uncertain
• doubtful
• distrustful
• unconvinced
• dubious
• mistrustful
• undecided
• ambivalent
• on the fence
• conflicted
• hesitant
• hinky
• trustless
• insecure
• equivocal
• irresolute
• indecisive
• diffident
• vacillating
• wavering
• halting

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• certain
• positive
• sure
• convinced
• confident
• sanguine
• assured
• decisive
• determined
• resolute
• self-assured

unsettled

2 of 2

verb

past tense of unsettle

as in disturbed

to trouble the mind of; to make uneasy

the news that the local grocery store had sold contaminated produce unsettled many shoppers

Synonyms & Similar Words

• disturbed
• alarmed
• distracted
• worried
• concerned
• bothered
• agitated
• angered
• upset
• haunted
• plagued
• disquieted
• distressed
• annoyed
• perturbed
• dismayed
• discomforted
• irritated
• unhinged
• discomposed
• flurried
• confused
• frazzled
• derailed
• rattled
• distempered
• ailed
• weirded out
• exercised
• embarrassed
• fussed
• aggravated
• exasperated
• vexed
• freaked (out)
• undid
• irked
• bugged
• harassed
• nettled
• riled
• harried
• peeved
• discouraged
• hagrode
• bedeviled
• disconcerted
• flustered
• pestered
• piqued
• fretted
• chafed
• nonplussed
• discomfited
• unnerved
• put off
• confounded
• jarred
• grated
• mortified
• galled
• put out
• fazed
• abashed
• dispirited
• daunted
• disheartened
• discountenanced
• chivied
• demoralized
• got
• shook up

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• settled
• calmed
• quieted
• soothed
• composed
• alleviated
• allayed
• assuaged
• tranquilized
• pacified
• appeased
• mollified
• placated
• conciliated
• propitiated

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of unsettled

Adjective

Boston is likely to kick off the next week with heavy rains on Monday before a single bright spot Tuesday is followed by more potentially unsettled days close out the week, according to National Weather Service forecasts. — Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 2 Aug. 2026

As hundreds of exhausted migrants head back to Morocco and others vow to stay, residents describe a city upended by clashes, military deployments and a deeply unsettled border. — Sergio Rodrigo Ruíz, Los Angeles Times, 1 Aug. 2026

Verb

In reality, the situation in Indiana is completely unsettled, and White was reminded of that on Tuesday night when some fans booed her during pregame introductions ahead of the Fever's home contest against the New York Liberty. — Mark Harris Outkick, FOXNews.com, 12 Aug. 2026

The barrage has caused fuel shortages in Russia, eaten into Russian refining capacity, and unsettled the Russian public. — ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026