unsettling

adjective

un·​set·​tling

ˌən-ˈset-liŋ,

-ˈse-tᵊl-iŋ 

: having the effect of upsetting, disturbing, or discomposing

unsettling images of the war

unsettlingly

ˌən-ˈset-liŋ-lē

-ˈse-tᵊl-iŋ- 

adverb

Synonyms

• discomforting
• discomposing
• disquieting
• distressing
• disturbing
• nagging
• nasty
• perturbing
• troublesome
• troubling
• troublous
• upsetting
• worrisome

Examples of unsettling in a Sentence

unsettling new developments in the effort to bring peace and stability to that region

had the unsettling task of picking out a coffin and making the other funeral arrangements for his father

Recent Examples on the Web

As Jeffrey’s amateur investigation spirals deeper into danger, he’s forced to confront the unsettling coexistence of idyllic suburban life and brutal violence lurking beneath the surface. —Travis Bean, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025

The activist, who boasts 1,100,000 followers on Instagram, wasted no time firing back at the unsettling allegations. —Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 7 Mar. 2025

Each weekly episode drop since Valentine’s Day has served up an unsettling number of recognizable love songs (and, soon, the first-ever live musical performance for its March 9 reunion ep). —Clover Hope, Pitchfork, 7 Mar. 2025

In the near future of Laila Lalami’s unsettling, meticulously observed new novel, Americans are outfitting themselves with a neuroprosthetic implant called the Dreamsaver, marketed as a sleep aid. —Sam Worley, Vulture, 4 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1665, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unsettling

• settling
• resettling