unsettled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unsettled" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being disturbed, anxious, or not settled in a particular situation. Example: "After hearing the news, I felt unsettled and couldn't concentrate on my work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Chiellini had been unsettled in the game's opening exchanges, the centre-half booked for pawing the ball away from João Moutinho when grounded inside the first minute, and might have conceded a penalty when he and Vidal sandwiched Kondogbia as he barged into the area.

The Guardian - Sport

Despite Brent crude edging up 0.2% to $94.86 a barrel, the recent falls below $100 have unsettled investors in oil companies.

The Guardian - Business

Most of those comments were removed, but at the time they unsettled me enough to ask the comment editor not to run my next piece.

The Guardian - Opinion

The minutes of the latest Bank of England meeting showed a slightly more hawkish stance on interest rates, which has also unsettled investors.

The Guardian - Business

The return of the man who was signed to take over from Cristiano Ronaldo has unsettled Nani, leading to a marked deterioration in form, but it has scarcely mattered such is the way Valencia has slipped back into the side so seamlessly.

The Guardian - Sport

"Of course, I understand that there are people there who are a little bit unsettled by some of the decisions we have decided to take.

The Guardian

His father meanwhile had enraged much of the unionist grassroots, already unsettled over the new power-sharing Stormont regime, with his chummy relationship with former IRA commander and Sinn Féin MP Martin McGuinness.

The Guardian

With a battery against him, stripped of advantage, he looked unsettled by this level playing field.

The Guardian - Opinion

Investors were also unsettled by the fact that new EU sanctions against Russia over its role in Ukraine were due to come into effect on Friday, while weaker than expected Chinese inflation figures rekindled fears about the country's economic growth.

The Guardian - Business

The winger, unsettled by his contract dispute at Liverpool and with his future unresolved, suffered at the hands of his club's considerable local support and was withdrawn midway through the second half with form and confidence clearly shattered.

The Guardian - Sport

The coalition is riven by ideological splits and statehouse squabbles and Mr Anwar's legal troubles have unsettled it further.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unsettled" to describe a person's emotional state, ensure the context clearly indicates the cause of their unease. For example, "He felt unsettled by the ominous silence."

Common error

Avoid using "unsettled" to describe something physically unstable when a word like "unstable" or "wobbly" is more appropriate. "Unsettled" primarily refers to emotional or abstract instability.

Linguistic Context

The term "unsettled" primarily functions as an adjective, describing a state of being disturbed, uncertain, or not resolved. Examples from Ludwig show it modifying nouns such as "investors", "city", and "life". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

20%

Sport

10%

Less common in

Opinion

5%

Film

2%

Music

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unsettled" is a versatile adjective commonly used to describe states of disturbance, uncertainty, or incompleteness. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and is observed frequently in news and business contexts. When writing, it's important to use "unsettled" to convey the correct nuance, differentiating it from alternatives like "disturbed" or "unstable". Ludwig's examples show its application in various scenarios, emphasizing its role in expressing emotional or situational instability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disturbed

Focuses more on emotional or mental agitation.

uneasy

Emphasizes a feeling of discomfort or anxiety.

anxious

Highlights worry and apprehension.

perturbed

Suggests a mild form of disturbance or annoyance.

agitated

Implies a state of restlessness and unease.

in turmoil

Describes a state of great disturbance or confusion.

in flux

Highlights a state of continuous change and uncertainty.

undecided

Focuses on the lack of a firm decision or resolution.

pending

Indicates something awaiting a resolution or decision.

incomplete

Stresses the lack of completion or finality.

FAQs

How can I use "unsettled" in a sentence?

You can use "unsettled" to describe a feeling of unease or instability. For example, "The news left her feeling unsettled". It can also describe situations, such as "The political climate remains unsettled".

What's the difference between "unsettled" and "disturbed"?

"Unsettled" suggests a milder form of unease or lack of resolution, while "disturbed" implies a stronger emotional or mental agitation. "Unsettled" often relates to situations, whereas "disturbed" more frequently describes a person's state.

What can I say instead of "unsettled" to describe a feeling of anxiety?

Alternatives include "anxious", "uneasy", or "apprehensive", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. These all suggest a feeling of worry or concern.

Can "unsettled" be used to describe something that is not yet decided?

Yes, "unsettled" can describe matters that are not yet resolved or decided. For example, "The terms of the agreement remain unsettled". In this context, alternatives like "undecided" or "pending" could also be used.