troubling

1 of 2

adjective

trou·​bling ˈtrə-b(ə-)liŋ 

: 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

troubling

2 of 2

present participle of trouble entry 2

Synonyms of troubling

Adjective

• disturbing
• unsettling
• frightening

Examples of troubling in a Sentence

Adjective

the most troubling sign of all is that he's stopped returning my phone calls

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

And in these most troubling of ages, when artificial intelligence threatens our very existence and truth has become a battleground, the star wants to offer a salve, if not salvation. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 29 Sep. 2026

The story, on its face, seems troubling and likely explains why Meta shares are lower Monday despite the encouraging enterprise push. — Zev Fima, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2026

Moreover, when troubling directives were issued, career officials could still find ways to limit the damage. — Eyal Press, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2026

We’re told there’s some troubling family history in their background that might have led to their estrangement, though it’s not really shown. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for troubling

• bubbling
• doubling
• redoubling