it is unsettling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is unsettling" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a feeling of discomfort or anxiety caused by a situation, event, or observation. Example: "The sudden silence in the room was unsettling, making everyone feel on edge."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When "Medium" isn't terrifying us with images of children about to be sodomized and killed, it is unsettling us with its belief that all of our systems and institutions essentially fail us.

The New York Times - Arts

But it is unsettling.

The Guardian - Tech

It is unsettling and strange.

The Guardian - Music

"It is unsettling," the general said soothingly.

The New York Times

This is true, and it is unsettling.

The New Yorker

"It is unsettling that his popularity has fallen so quickly.

The New York Times

It is unsettling to hear the violence on Sunday portrayed as something entirely foretold.

The New Yorker

It is unsettling to watch yet another shake-up in the intelligence community.

The New York Times

"It is unsettling," said Katherine Williams, 67, a retired teacher from Toronto.

The New York Times

It is unsettling, given the luxury of the food, and the question of its cost.

The New York Times

Workers in services hitherto believed they were not: it is unsettling to be disabused.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is unsettling" to describe situations that create a feeling of unease or anxiety without necessarily being overtly frightening or dangerous.

Common error

Avoid using "it is unsettling" when a stronger term like "alarming" or "terrifying" would be more appropriate to convey the intensity of the emotion.

Linguistic Context

It is unsettling functions as a subjective expression, indicating a personal feeling of unease or anxiety in response to a specific situation or event. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Science

2%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is unsettling" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a feeling of unease or anxiety. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is widespread across various contexts, with a strong presence in news and media. The phrase serves to highlight situations that cause discomfort or concern, often without necessarily implying a high degree of danger or alarm. While alternatives like "it is disturbing" or "it is troubling" can be used depending on the specific emotional intensity, "it is unsettling" remains a versatile and widely accepted expression of mild to moderate unease.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is disturbing

Focuses more on causing worry or anxiety.

it is disquieting

Emphasizes a loss of peace or tranquility.

it is worrisome

Highlights the cause of anxiety or concern.

it is troubling

Suggests something is causing difficulty or problems.

it is disconcerting

Implies a feeling of confusion and unease.

it is alarming

Indicates a sense of danger or urgency.

it is unnerving

Focuses on the loss of composure or confidence.

it is frightening

Emphasizes the fear or dread caused.

it is ominous

Suggests something bad is going to happen in the future.

it is distressful

Highlights the level of suffering caused.

FAQs

How can I use "it is unsettling" in a sentence?

Use "it is unsettling" to describe something that makes you feel uneasy or anxious. For example, "It is unsettling to see so many abandoned buildings in the neighborhood."

What can I say instead of "it is unsettling"?

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

Is "it is unsettling" formal or informal?

"It is unsettling" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it appears more frequently in news and media.

What's the difference between "it is unsettling" and "it is disturbing"?

While both phrases convey a sense of unease, "it is disturbing" often implies a stronger emotional impact, suggesting something is more deeply upsetting or shocking than simply unsettling.