troubling

adjective

trou·​bling ˈtrə-b(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce troubling (audio)
Synonyms of troublingnext
: 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.
Far more troubling was Rubio’s substitution of the word civilization for values. Eliot A. Cohen, The Atlantic, 17 Feb. 2026 Salas, who left office nearly three years ago, said the current lack of communication on the council is troubling. Walker Armstrong, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Feb. 2026 The escalating costs for energy are particularly troubling, as electric rates have increased by 36% for many New Yorkers in the last three years with more increases coming. Robert Duffy, New York Daily News, 16 Feb. 2026 Paul Boyne’s return to jail days before his trial is scheduled to start is another irregular development in a troubling case that could test the limits of what constitutes protected speech. Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 16 Feb. 2026 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 Feb. 2026.

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