unsettled 1 of 2

adjective

ˌən-ˈse-tᵊld How to pronounce unsettled (audio)
Definition of unsettlednext
1
as in volatile
likely to change frequently, suddenly, or unexpectedly we've been having a lot of unsettled weather lately

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2
as in unpaid
not yet paid I keep unsettled bills next to the checkbook

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3
as in pending
not yet settled or decided we can't move on as long as this important question remains unsettled

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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

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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

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of unsettled
Adjective
Descartes’ Wood noted that the broader trade environment remains unsettled. — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 9 July 2026 The murkiness of the injury bled into free agency and Christensen’s Carolina future remains unsettled, despite the team’s unproven depth options on the line, particularly at guard. — Charlotte Observer, 7 July 2026
Verb
The centerless nature of Kiely’s grief unsettled him for a time. — Laura Snapes, Pitchfork, 9 July 2026 Gurminder Sangha, vice president of equity and institutional effectiveness at Madera Community College, said the surge of violence has unsettled the community. — Joe Rubin, Sacbee.com, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for unsettled
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unsettled
  1. volatile
  2. unpaid
  3. pending
  4. unsure
  5. disturbed
  6. unpredictable
  7. outstanding
  8. unresolved
Adjective
  • Stocks pulled back on Friday , capping off another volatile week.
    — Jeff Marks,Paulina Likos, CNBC, 17 July 2026
  • That’s because wildfire smoke contains gases like nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds, which react in the sun and heat to create ground-level ozone.
    — Kasha Patel, CNN Money, 17 July 2026
Definition of volatile
Adjective
  • Jamal Warner’s widow, Tenisha Warner, has taken legal action against his mother, Pamela Warner, over alleged unpaid debts from his family trust.
    — Brenton Blanchet, PEOPLE, 21 July 2026
  • Owners of an Elk Grove nightclub where two men were killed in a shooting last year must pay more than $53,000 in unpaid rent this week or forfeit their lease, according to a notice posted outside the business.
    — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 21 July 2026
Definition of unpaid
Adjective
  • Wells’ cause of death has not been confirmed and the results of an official and independent autopsy remain pending.
    — Janelle Griffith, PEOPLE, 20 July 2026
  • The 41-year-old is also reportedly facing three additional pending criminal cases in New York, where he is charged with misdemeanor assault, reckless endangerment, criminal trespass on railroad property, and trespassing.
    — Leigh Blickley, Entertainment Weekly, 17 July 2026
Definition of pending
Adjective
  • Funding fights, shifting eligibility rules and abrupt program cuts have played out simultaneously at the federal level, leaving many organizations unsure what the ground will look like from one quarter to the next.
    — Keely Cat-Wells, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • At a time when many of their peers are unsure of what's next, the students are happy their skills are in demand.
    — Andrea Hsu, NPR, 21 July 2026
Definition of unsure
Verb
  • As Jonas tries to get work done upstairs, he is repeatedly disturbed by his mother, who is obnoxiously kvelling about his scientific breakthroughs to a neighbor in the yard.
    — Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 18 July 2026
  • No matter how popular a priest is, we must be disturbed that the same man is being repeatedly accused.
    — Daily Southtown, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2026
Definition of disturbed
Adjective
  • The ensemble drama traces the unpredictable shape of grief and family dynamics, aiming for an emotionally candid portrait of loss and the ties that hold communities together.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 17 July 2026
  • In an increasingly unpredictable business environment, executives seek control over their biology through peptides, promising faster recovery and improved performance.
    — Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Definition of unpredictable
Adjective
  • After dark, the remote far-western location and low levels of artificial light make this region an outstanding destination for viewing the Perseid meteor shower.
    — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 15 July 2026
  • It was also nominated for 12 Emmy Awards, winning one for outstanding lead actress in a comedy series for Arthur in 1977.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 15 July 2026
Definition of outstanding
Adjective
  • Katherine said that since leaving the church she’s struggled with what to do with unresolved anger over what happened to her.
    — Jeremy Kohler, ProPublica, 20 July 2026
  • Heavyweight was resurrected by Pushkin Industries so that host Jonathan Goldstein can still help people track down individuals from their past to resolve long-standing regrets or unresolved mysteries with a healthy dose of humor.
    — Frank Racioppi, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
Definition of unresolved

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unsettled
unsettledness
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Cite this Entry

“Unsettled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unsettled. Accessed 23 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on unsettled

Nglish: Translation of unsettled for Spanish Speakers

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