an unsettling feeling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an unsettling feeling" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a sense of discomfort or anxiety that arises from a situation or thought. Example: "As she walked through the abandoned house, she couldn't shake off the unsettling feeling that someone was watching her."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

It's an unsettling feeling".

The New York Times - Sports

It evoked an unsettling feeling I can't say I ever had before at the theater.

The New York Times

I couldn't make a decision, I couldn't concentrate, and underneath it all I had an unsettling feeling of anxiety.

Independent

It gives you an unsettling feeling, even in the middle of a bouncy song like "Kamera," of things being not quite all right.

The New Yorker

It's an unsettling feeling that my first instinct – to Google my own stupidity – may be the root of my increasing daftness.

Independent

It's a positive cynicism, an optimistic worry, a sort of yearning for it all to work combined with an unsettling feeling that comes from wishing people well whom you never voted for and possibly hated with every fibre of your being.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

When viewed without a single skater pushing through, the park conveys an almost unsettling feeling.

Vice

"But the gasping confirms that any kind of evidence that something is inside your house is a very unsettling feeling".

The New York Times

Yes, I know that many of you have more questions, but I'm afraid I'm experiencing a strong, unsettling feeling that the empty beer keg back in my cage is currently on exactly the wrong side and needs to be pushed back to the other side as soon as possible.

The New Yorker

He then asked: "What if we could use fuels that are not expensive, don't cause pollution and are abundantly available right here at home?" Americans are extremely anxious at the moment, and I think part of it has to do with a deeply unsettling feeling that the nation may not be up to the tremendous challenges it is facing.

The New York Times

It is a strangely unsettling feeling to realize that the largest Navy, the fastest Air Force, the fittest strike force, cannot fully protect us from the ghost that is terrorism.... Asymmetry is the key word from Kabul to Gaza.... Might is not right.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's emotional state, use "an unsettling feeling" to subtly hint at underlying tension or conflict without explicitly stating the source of their discomfort.

Common error

Avoid having characters directly state they have "an unsettling feeling" too often. Show, don't tell, through their actions and descriptions of the environment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an unsettling feeling" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb (e.g., had an unsettling feeling) or the subject complement (e.g., it was an unsettling feeling). As confirmed by Ludwig, the structure is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an unsettling feeling" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to express a sense of unease or discomfort. Ludwig's AI analysis confirms its validity and offers various examples across diverse contexts, predominantly in News & Media. While versatile, it's essential to avoid overuse in dialogue and focus on showing, rather than telling, this feeling through descriptive writing. Consider alternatives like "an uneasy feeling" or "a disturbing sensation" to diversify your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an uneasy feeling

Emphasizes a lack of comfort and peace of mind.

a disturbing sensation

Focuses more on the physical aspect of discomfort.

a creeping unease

Highlights the gradual development of the unsettling sensation.

a vague disquiet

Suggests a less defined and more subtle sense of unease.

a troubling undercurrent

Highlights the subtle but disturbing feeling present beneath the surface.

a nagging worry

Highlights the persistent nature of the negative feeling.

a disquieting vibe

Uses more informal language to describe a disturbing atmosphere.

a sense of foreboding

Implies a feeling that something bad is about to happen.

a prickling anxiety

Emphasizes the physical sensation of anxiety, like pins and needles.

a disturbing premonition

Suggests a psychic sense of impending doom.

FAQs

How can I use "an unsettling feeling" in a sentence?

You can use "an unsettling feeling" to describe a vague sense of discomfort or anxiety. For example, "She had "an unsettling feeling" as she walked down the dark street".

What can I say instead of "an unsettling feeling"?

You can use alternatives like "an uneasy feeling", "a disturbing sensation", or "a sense of foreboding" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "an unsettling feeling" or "a disturbing feeling"?

Both phrases are appropriate, but ""an unsettling feeling"" often implies a vague unease, while "a disturbing feeling" suggests something more overtly troubling.

What's the difference between "an unsettling feeling" and "an anxious feeling"?

"An unsettling feeling" suggests something is off or amiss, while "an anxious feeling" directly relates to a state of worry or nervousness.