disturbing

USAGE SUMMARY

'disturbing' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is unsettling or causes anxiety. For example: "The reports of animal abuse were particularly disturbing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"And because of that you see things that may be disturbing.

The Guardian

He insists he will not engage in any in-your-face evangelising, disturbing those who go to the pub for a quiet pint on a Monday: "I'm not looking to bother anybody.

The Guardian

You may find Ballard's willingness to imbue the cadaver, during the very act of its disincorporation, with the mortal elements of an individual life … well, disturbing.

The Guardian - Arts

It depends how much the behaviour is disturbing your relationship.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Visitors can walk or bike the perimeter, spotting but not disturbing the wildlife.

The Guardian - Travel

There is some serious cognitive dissonance going on here that is personally and professionally disturbing.

The Guardian

The alleged misconduct, a chief constable of a major force leading an operation to fabricate serious charges, is enormously disturbing.

The Guardian - Opinion

Trams and trains were free for Melburnians after 6pm, although there was disappointment for those wanting to converge upon Edinburgh Gardens for a midnight drink – the local council decided to ban alcohol in the popular New Year's Eve spot after reports of "disturbing" antisocial behavior and mass littering last year.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This time, there will be no sit-in, no arrest, no charge for disturbing the peace.

The Guardian

While most visitors take a boat trip to see the eagles or visit a hide overlooking a nest, several photographers have been prosecuted for disturbing the birds by getting too close to nests.

The Guardian

But this is not the kind of spectators the actors work for … And those who are brought to the theatre by force gnaw on sunflower seeds or talk on their mobile phones, disturbing the other theatregoers," she said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "disturbing", consider the specific emotion or reaction you want to evoke. Choose synonyms like "unsettling" or "troubling" for more nuanced descriptions.

Common error

Avoid using "disturbing" too frequently in sensationalized or overly dramatic contexts, as this can diminish its impact and credibility. Instead, opt for more precise language that accurately reflects the specific issue at hand.

Linguistic Context

The word "disturbing" primarily functions as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe something that causes feelings of unease, anxiety, or worry. Examples from Ludwig show its use in describing disturbing news, details, and footage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "disturbing" functions as an adjective that conveys a negative emotional impact, typically associated with unease or anxiety. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. While versatile, it's most commonly found in news and media contexts. For nuanced writing, consider synonyms like "unsettling" or "troubling", and avoid overuse in sensationalized scenarios. When used correctly, "disturbing" effectively communicates a sense of alarm or worry, prompting the audience to take note.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unsettling

Emphasizes a feeling of unease or slight anxiety.

disquieting

Highlights a sense of worry and loss of peace.

worrisome

Focuses on the aspect of causing concern or anxiety.

troubling

Indicates something that causes distress or difficulty.

alarming

Suggests a sudden awareness of danger or threat.

unnerving

Highlights the effect of making someone lose courage or confidence.

distressing

Emphasizes the act of causing severe sorrow or pain.

frightening

Focuses on causing fear or terror.

shocking

Indicates something unexpected and upsetting.

ominous

Suggests that something bad is going to happen.

FAQs

How can I use "disturbing" in a sentence?

You can use "disturbing" to describe something that causes anxiety, worry, or unease. For example, "The news report contained "disturbing details" about the incident."

What can I say instead of "disturbing"?

You can use alternatives like "unsettling", "disquieting", or "troubling" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "most disturbing" or "more disturbing"?

Both "most disturbing" and "more disturbing" are grammatically correct. "Most disturbing" is used to describe the highest degree of disturbance, while "more disturbing" is used to compare two things and indicate which is more unsettling.

What is the difference between "disturbing" and "distressed"?

"Disturbing" describes something that causes worry or unease, while "distressed" describes someone who is suffering from anxiety, sorrow, or pain. So, something can be "disturbing", which in turn makes someone feel "distressed".