unsettling feeling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unsettling feeling" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an uncomfortable feeling created by something that disrupts your sense of peace or security. For example: "When walking along the dark street late at night, I had an unsettling feeling that something was not quite right."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The unsettling feeling people get when looking at these is pretty much how I feel most of the time".

The New Yorker

It's an unsettling feeling".

The New York Times - Sports

It evoked an unsettling feeling I can't say I ever had before at the theater.

The New York Times

But we would do well to hang on to some of the unsettling feeling of displacement.

The New York Times

And that is the real unsettling feeling we are reluctant to admit.

The New York Times

But there remains between them a connective thread, that unsettling feeling of tragedy as career propellant.

The New York Times

The unsettling feeling of seeing one's home collapse, no matter the size, affected Haitians of all social strata.

The New York Times

I couldn't make a decision, I couldn't concentrate, and underneath it all I had an unsettling feeling of anxiety.

Independent

"But the gasping confirms that any kind of evidence that something is inside your house is a very unsettling feeling".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

FRENCH wine can provoke such unsettling feelings of ignorance.

The Economist

And in order to nurture courage we need to get in the ring with these unsettling feelings.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unsettling feeling" to describe a vague sense of unease or anxiety, rather than a specific fear. For instance, describe the atmosphere of a horror movie or the sensation of entering an empty house with this phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "unsettling feeling" to describe moments of acute or intense fear. Opt for terms like "terror", "dread", or "panic" in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unsettling feeling" functions as a noun phrase, where "unsettling" is an adjective modifying the noun "feeling". As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes a state of unease or anxiety. Examples show it used to describe reactions to creepy images, collapsing homes, and general anxiety.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

7%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unsettling feeling" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe a sense of unease or discomfort. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively communicates a vague feeling of anxiety. Predominantly found in News & Media, but also present across various sources, it maintains a neutral register, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Consider alternatives such as "uneasy sensation" or "disturbing emotion" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember, using "unsettling feeling" is most effective for general unease, rather than acute fear.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

uncomfortable feeling

A more general term for a feeling of unease.

disquieting feeling

Emphasizes the lack of peace or tranquility.

uneasy sensation

Focuses more on the physical aspect of the feeling.

disturbing emotion

Emphasizes the emotional impact of the feeling.

troubling emotion

Highlights the problematic or bothersome aspect of the feeling.

worrying sense

Highlights the element of concern or anxiety.

unnerving sensation

Stresses the feeling's ability to make one lose composure.

foreboding sense

Suggests a feeling that something bad is about to happen.

creepy vibe

Implies a sense of something being off or sinister.

nagging feeling

Implies a persistent and bothersome feeling.

FAQs

How can I use "unsettling feeling" in a sentence?

You can use "unsettling feeling" to describe a general sense of unease or discomfort. For example, "There was an unsettling feeling in the air as the storm approached."

What are some alternatives to "unsettling feeling"?

You can use alternatives like "uneasy sensation", "disturbing emotion", or "worrying sense" depending on the specific context.

Is "unsettling feeling" formal or informal?

"Unsettling feeling" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. Its suitability depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and tone than the phrase itself.

What causes an "unsettling feeling"?

An "unsettling feeling" can be caused by various factors, such as unfamiliar environments, strange occurrences, or a sense that something is not quite right.