unnerving

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'unnerving' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use 'unnerving' when referring to the feeling of being made uneasy or anxious. Example Sentence: The dark, unfamiliar hallway was unnerving.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His portrayal of the beleaguered suburban male of the species is achingly tender.' Washington Post 'Unsettling, unnerving, undefinable, American Beauty is a blood-chilling dark comedy, a strange, brooding and very accomplished film.

The Guardian - Film

Alone with the devastation of what he'd done at his feet, the absolute nothingness that rang out in the aftermath was profoundly unnerving.

The Guardian

Unnerving to many: to a geek like me, it felt strangely comforting.

The Guardian - Travel

The much-storied, incredibly well-supported club from the post-industrial heartland of Germany have an unfortunate habit of never quite fully realising their true potential, which would only be half as unnerving for their fans if neighbours Borussia Dortmund had not done so much better with fewer resources in recent years.

The Guardian - Sport

He played best with a great foil, his ridiculous relish for excess up against John Gielgud's elegant Home Counties restraint, his penchant for improvisation unnerving the stage actor's disciplined regard for the script.

The Guardian - Film

We wear scrub uniforms which for a paranoid patient can be deeply unnerving.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It was a bit unnerving.

The Guardian - Arts

Hedge funds, ostensibly aimed at profiting in all circumstances, have followed the market down in 2008, unnerving some of their investors.How much so?

The Economist

The point he is making today is that nothing has changed: the pioneer of online retailing is still having to place big bets on the future, cutting into profit margins and unnerving some investors.

The Economist

Mr Obasanjo's estranged vice-president, Atiku Abubakar, instrumental in securing past PDP victories, wants to be president, as does Ibrahim Babangida, a former military ruler.The splits in the elite are unnerving, considering the bloody sectarian violence that often accompanies political divisions in Nigeria.

The Economist

Mr Taner tends to announce policy on the hoof, and contradicts himself in ways the markets find unnerving.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unnerving", consider the degree of unease you want to convey. It's stronger than "uncomfortable" but less severe than "terrifying". Choose it when something causes significant, but not overwhelming, anxiety.

Common error

Avoid using "unnerving" for minor inconveniences. Reserve it for situations that genuinely provoke anxiety or unease, to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "unnerving" is as a present participle acting as an adjective. It modifies a noun by describing it as something that causes anxiety or unease. This usage is supported by Ludwig, which confirms that it's correct and can be used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unnerving" functions as a present participle adjective, describing something that induces unease or anxiety. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and suitable for written English. Its usage spans various contexts, most commonly found in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science domains. While "unnerving" is a powerful descriptor, remember to reserve it for situations that genuinely evoke anxiety, avoiding overuse in trivial contexts. Alternatives like "disconcerting", "unsettling", and "disturbing" offer nuanced substitutions, depending on the specific shade of unease you aim to express. The examples available through Ludwig highlight the versatility and broad applicability of this term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unsettling

Suggests a disturbance of one's peace of mind or sense of stability.

disquieting

This term indicates causing anxiety or uneasiness.

disconcerting

This term emphasizes a disruption of one's composure or plans, often implying a temporary mental disturbance.

disturbing

This alternative suggests causing anxiety or worry, often related to something unsettling or shocking.

alarming

This indicates a sudden awareness of danger or threat, potentially causing fear or panic.

troubling

This emphasizes a cause for concern or worry, often related to a problem or difficulty.

rattling

Implies causing someone to feel nervous or anxious.

agitating

Implies causing emotional disturbance and restlessness.

intimidating

This term means causing someone to feel fear or apprehension.

spooking

Suggests causing fright or alarm, typically in a playful or mischievous way.

FAQs

How can I use "unnerving" in a sentence?

Use "unnerving" to describe something that makes you feel uneasy, anxious, or slightly disturbed. For example, "The silence in the house was "unnerving" after the storm passed."

What can I say instead of "unnerving"?

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

Which is correct, "unnerving" or "unerving"?

"Unnerving" is the correct spelling. "Unerving" is a misspelling.

What's the difference between "unnerving" and "nervous"?

"Unnerving" describes something that causes you to feel nervous, while "nervous" describes your state of being. For example, "The strange noises were unnerving, making me feel nervous."