disturbing expression

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "disturbing expression" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a facial expression or a statement that causes discomfort or unease. Example: "The actor's performance was so intense that it left the audience with a disturbing expression on their faces."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Art historian George Kubler finds that "the square bodies, grimacing mouths, and staring eyes convey a disturbing expression which is only in part resolved by the animation and plastic energy of the turgid forms".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Moreover, our recent work found that pathological condition (inflammation) inhibited osteogenic differentiation of MSCs through disturbing miRNAs expression, suggesting aberrant miRNAs expression is an unexplored cell-intrinsic mechanism of MSCs differentiation disorder during osteoporosis.

Cell Death and Disease

Persistent immune activation in HIV is thought to contribute to pathogenesis by progressively disturbing cytokine expression, functional organization of the immune system [ 46], and decreasing TLR expression (AIDS stage).

BMC Infectious Diseases

Finally, we consistently observed a potential adverse effect of BPA on E2 production in granulosa cells, even in the short-term BPA exposure experiments, confirming the hypothesis that BPA first decreases E2 levels by directly disturbing P450arom protein expression in the granulosa cells that are dispensable for gonadotropin action.

Environmental Health Perspectives

More disturbing, some algebraic expressions for these weights exhibit an excessive sensitivity to even the smallest perturbations in the node location.

Journal of Computational Physics

In early drafts, Islamic countries had sought to introduce a clause making defamation of religion a breach of human rights, with disturbing implications for freedom of expression.

The Economist

Problematic scenes included the gutting death of Steve Orth (Walls), where he was required to remove any movement of the character's internal organs; the throat-cutting of Kenny, where he had to trim the end of the scene, as the MPAA felt the actor's pained expression was too "disturbing"; and they had to shorten the length of time spent viewing the crushed head of Tatum Riley.

Wikipedia

Translocated genes may come under the influence of different promoters and enhancers disturbing and altering their gene expression.

Plosone

5, 6 In addition to genetic mutations, epigenetic changes, such as dysregulation of histone deacetylases (HDAC), contribute to cancer cell initiation and growth, by altering the cell phenotype and gene expression and by disturbing homeostasis.

Cancer Science

While such expressions of "faith solidarity" may have disturbing implications for the rights of free expression cherished by Europeans, they carry the seeds of longer-term accommodations that are likely to bring the more conservative and isolated strands of Islam into the cultural mainstream.

Huffington Post

I tell him I find their expressions hostile and disturbing, but he demurs.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing art or characters, use "disturbing expression" to convey a sense of unease or unsettling emotion created by their appearance or actions. It's stronger than simply saying something is 'unpleasant'.

Common error

Avoid interchanging "disturbing" with weaker adjectives like 'unpleasant' or 'disagreeable'. "Disturbing" implies a deeper sense of unease or psychological impact. Choose a more fitting word to match the intensity of the expression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "disturbing expression" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective modifying a noun. Ludwig AI validates its usage in describing visages and manners that evoke discomfort. It serves to highlight an unsettling quality about a person's features or demeanor.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "disturbing expression" is a valid and usable phrase in English, albeit relatively rare. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides examples that showcase its primary function as a descriptor for unsettling visages or communicated sentiments. The phrase typically occurs in neutral contexts, such as news, wiki, and scientific articles, with the purpose of conveying unease or disquiet. While alternative phrases like "unsettling look" or "troubling countenance" exist, "disturbing expression" offers a specific nuance that captures a deeper level of discomfort. When using the phrase, remember to reserve it for situations where a truly unsettling or psychologically impactful effect is intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unsettling look

Replaces 'expression' with 'look', focusing on visual aspect and implying a feeling of unease.

troubling countenance

Uses more formal language to describe a face that provokes worry or concern.

disconcerting appearance

Shifts the focus to the overall impression, suggesting something is amiss.

alarming demeanor

Highlights the manner or conduct, emphasizing a sense of threat or danger.

distressing visage

Emphasizes the face as a source of emotional pain or suffering.

worrisome aspect

Focuses on a specific feature or characteristic that causes concern.

threatening air

Conveys a sense of potential harm or aggression.

ominous air

Conveys a sense of foreboding or impending doom.

distasteful sentiment

Focuses on the underlying feeling or opinion being expressed, highlighting its unpleasantness.

repugnant communication

Highlights the offensive or objectionable nature of the message.

FAQs

What does "disturbing expression" mean?

A "disturbing expression" refers to a facial expression or manner of communication that causes unease, discomfort, or even fear due to its unsettling nature.

How can I use "disturbing expression" in a sentence?

You can use "disturbing expression" to describe someone's face or demeanor, like: "The clown's painted smile hid a truly "disturbing expression"." Or: "His "disturbing expression" made her feel afraid."

What are some alternatives to "disturbing expression"?

Alternatives include "unsettling look", "troubling countenance", or "disconcerting appearance", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "disturbing expression"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the unsettling or disquieting effect of someone's facial features or general demeanor on the observer. It suggests a level of discomfort beyond mere dislike or disagreement.