unsettling

adjective

un·​set·​tling
ˌən-ˈset-liŋ,
-ˈse-tᵊl-iŋ How to pronounce unsettling (audio)
: having the effect of upsetting, disturbing, or discomposing
unsettling images of the war
unsettlingly
ˌən-ˈset-liŋ-lē
-ˈse-tᵊl-iŋ- How to pronounce unsettling (audio)
adverb

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
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.
Equal parts exhilarating and unsettling, many fans crowned Lamar victorious in the beef, especially after the spat led to litigation. Taijuan Moorman, USA TODAY, 7 Feb. 2025 But Syrian human rights groups and locals have publicized unsettling accounts of summary executions and disappearances of Alawites. Fawaz A. Gerges, Foreign Affairs, 27 Jan. 2025 For middle-aged folks (ages 50 to 64), rates in women climbed past those in men in 2021 (despite being 21% lower in 2007), but what’s most unsettling is the gender gap in young people. Erica Sloan, SELF, 23 Jan. 2025 Bottom line While hair loss or thinning associated with medication can be unsettling, these effects are usually temporary and can often be helped with hair growth supplements or medication adjustments cleared by your doctor. Leslie Baumann, Miami Herald, 29 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for unsettling 

Word History

First Known Use

1665, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unsettling was in 1665

Dictionary Entries Near unsettling

Cite this Entry

“Unsettling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unsettling. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on unsettling

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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