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
• skittish
• up in the air
• erratic
• scattered
• fluid
• shaky
• 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

At its core, the competition remains unsettled largely because neither player has convincingly outplayed the other and won the job. — Zac Jackson, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026

Wednesday should remain mostly sunny overall, with a high near 86 degrees followed by unsettled weather Thursday. — The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Sun, 23 Aug. 2026

Verb

This has unsettled some Pentagon officials who fear the scrutiny will invite meddling. — Doug Beck, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026

Showers may linger into Friday, while the weekend currently trends cooler and unsettled, with additional shower chances if the front stalls out nearby. — Bill Kelly, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026