unsettling

USAGE SUMMARY

'unsettling' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe something that has made you feel anxious, uncomfortable, or uneasy. For example: "The sights and sounds of the deserted city streets were both eerie and unsettling."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

John Quiggin is an Australian laureate fellow in economics at the University of Queensland When I think of Tony Abbott's time in office, the only way I can describe his efforts is "unsettling".

The Guardian - Opinion

How can we justify extending the net of surveillance so widely, unsettling the lives of so many, and apparently for so little?

The Guardian - Opinion

Unsettling the settlersIsrael's prime minister, Ariel Sharon, shook Israelis by declaring that he would remove all Jewish settlements in the Gaza Strip as part of his plan to "disengage" from the territories occupied by Israel since the war of 1967.

The Economist

The publication last year of formal guidelines to prevent EU money from going to people or bodies in the occupied territories was unsettling.

The Economist

The sight of young, otherwise progressive Bangladeshis seeking capital punishment, through music, street theatre, chants and recitals, is both moving and unsettling.

The Economist

His more nightmarish paintings, such as his 1891 work, "Skeletons Fighting Over a Pickled Herring" (pictured below), are strangely unsettling.

The Economist

While men were more likely to value "action", which they differentiated from violence as having a "more playful tone … with less explicit detail", women were more concerned about implied violence or an "unsettling atmosphere", said the research.

The Guardian

But how much more unsettling are the astonishing images of the dissected and the diseased in The Sick Rose: Disease and the Art of Medical Illustration, a new book sourced from the Wellcome Trust's unrivalled collection.

The Guardian - Arts

But she remained close to her Kenyan base, especially the women among them, and surely did more good for Kenya than all the men together who found her principled politics so unsettling.

The Economist

The life of a shift-work warrior a mash-up of "Dilbert" and "The Iliad"—is unsettling.

The Economist

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unsettling" to describe situations, events, or art that provokes a sense of unease or discomfort without necessarily being overtly frightening. It effectively conveys a subtle yet palpable sense of disturbance.

Common error

Avoid using "unsettling" when a more precise term like "frightening", "depressing", or "infuriating" would better capture the specific emotional impact. "Unsettling" is most effective when conveying a subtle, underlying sense of unease rather than an intense emotion.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "unsettling" primarily functions to describe something that causes unease, anxiety, or a feeling of being disturbed. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, and examples show it modifying nouns like "atmosphere", "images", and "effect".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unsettling" is a versatile adjective used to describe something that causes unease or disturbance. Ludwig AI confirms its proper use, which is prevalent in news and media. The term is grammatically correct and functions to convey a sense of discomfort without necessarily indicating a concrete threat. Consider alternatives such as "disquieting" or "disturbing" for slight nuances in meaning. Remember that overuse can diminish its effect if a stronger descriptor is more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disquieting

Focuses more on the mental disturbance and loss of peace.

disturbing

Emphasizes the disruption and potential for emotional upset.

troubling

Highlights the concern and worry caused by the situation.

alarming

Suggests a sense of immediate danger or threat.

unnerving

Captures the feeling of losing composure or confidence.

worrisome

Indicates a level of anxiety and apprehension about potential outcomes.

portentous

Implies a sense of foreboding or ominous significance.

fraught with anxiety

More explicitly expresses the presence of underlying anxiety.

making one uneasy

Directly describes the effect of causing discomfort or anxiety.

creating a sense of unease

Focuses on the creation of a feeling of worry or anxiety.

FAQs

How to use "unsettling" in a sentence?

You can use "unsettling" to describe something that makes you feel uneasy or disturbed. For example: "The abandoned house had an unsettling atmosphere."

What can I say instead of "unsettling"?

You can use alternatives like "disquieting", "disturbing", or "troubling" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "unsettling" or "disturbing"?

"Unsettling" and "disturbing" are both correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "Unsettling" suggests a more subtle sense of unease, while "disturbing" implies a stronger emotional impact.

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

"Unsettling" suggests a general feeling of unease or discomfort, while "unnerving" implies a loss of composure or confidence. If something is "unnerving", it specifically makes you feel nervous or anxious.