troubling

adjective

trou·​bling ˈtrə-b(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce troubling (audio)
: causing feelings of worry or anxiety
a troubling news report
It's not just trauma survivors who may be distracted or derailed by shocking or troubling material …Angus Johnston
troublingly adverb

Examples of troubling in a Sentence

the most troubling sign of all is that he's stopped returning my phone calls
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.
The 21-page report, written by Michael Prescott, an advisor to the BBC’s External Guidelines and Standards Board, also raised troubling questions over the impartiality of BBC Arabic, among a host of other issues. K.j. Yossman, Variety, 12 Nov. 2025 But with new uranium mines proposed in New Mexico and transportation routes through the Navajo Nation’s region seemingly inevitable, Antonio has been closely monitoring the actions of tribal leadership, who have noticeably gone quiet on the issue — a troubling sign for critics. Arlyssa D. Becenti, AZCentral.com, 11 Nov. 2025 These are troubling developments, but CELAC and EU nations are committed and have the capacity to put things right. Gustavo Petro, Time, 9 Nov. 2025 Majumdar lavishes her characters with careful attention, and so the reader comes to regard their most troubling actions as justified, if not inevitable. Tope Folarin, The Atlantic, 8 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for troubling

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of troubling was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Troubling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/troubling. Accessed 20 Nov. 2025.

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