unsettling gaze

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unsettling gaze" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a look or stare that causes discomfort or unease. Example: "She turned to him with an unsettling gaze that made him question his every word."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

His many portraits–head-and-shoulders or just heads–feature formal, sometimes dazed-looking men and women with elaborate hats or razor-parted hair who stare out of the page with wide, piercing eyes in a manner that suggests both a possible chilling regime of "mental health" treatment and the unblinking, unsettling gaze of those who haunt the margins of sanity and society.

Columbia University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The prominent curve of Bharara's nose and his striking pale-green eyes give him an unsettling falconine gaze.

The New Yorker

This latter was also played by Ronan, who even at 13-years-old gave notice of a scarifying poise to go with that unsettling thousand-yard gaze.

Independent

Her gaze was unsettling, too specific Richard looked down at his phone.

The New Yorker

Tobin's probing gaze is unsettling; it shows us that he may no longer be lost but he has not yet been found.

The New Yorker

For a long unsettling moment she stood, gazing at the audience, before tearing the tape off with a grimace.

The Washington Post

Up close, her translucent, headlamp gaze has an unsettling intensity which is modulated by a warm, sweet smile - or not, as she chooses.

The Guardian

The baby's fate is unclear, but the woman's transfixed gaze is profoundly unsettling.

Vice

Robeson's gaze is intense and unsettling, and reflects the "complex engagement black actors have had with Shakespeare," says Dale Stinchcomb, curatorial assistant for the Harvard Theatre Collection at Houghton.

Harvard University

The absence of color blunts the force of the images (the sounds of the machinery are still unsettling), which allows you to watch the movie rather than avert your gaze and your rattled mind.

The New York Times

Another piece, "TV Buddha" (1974), involves an ancient Buddha figure gazing at a television monitor that shows his own image an unsettling union of western and oriental themes.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unsettling gaze" to vividly portray a character's expression when you want to evoke a sense of unease, distrust, or hidden intent in the reader. It’s stronger than simply saying someone looked at another person.

Common error

Don't use "unsettling gaze" to describe a scene or object that is unsettling in itself. The phrase specifically refers to the discomfort caused by a person's look, not by an inanimate object or general atmosphere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unsettling gaze" functions as an adjective-noun phrase where 'unsettling' modifies the noun 'gaze.' It describes a specific quality of the gaze, indicating that it causes discomfort or unease, as evidenced by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

22%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unsettling gaze" effectively communicates a sense of discomfort or unease caused by someone's look. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While synonyms like "disturbing stare" or "uneasy look" exist, "unsettling gaze" provides a distinct nuanced description. Predominantly found in News & Media and Academic contexts, its proper use enriches descriptions by vividly portraying a character's expression and its impact. Avoid misattributing the source of unsettlement to maintain clarity and accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disturbing stare

Focuses more on the active staring and its unsettling effect.

uneasy look

Emphasizes the feeling of unease associated with the look.

disconcerting glare

Highlights the intensity and potential intimidation of the gaze.

unnerving stare

Similar to unsettling but emphasizes the feeling of nervousness.

creepy look

Implies a more sinister or frightening quality to the gaze.

intimidating gaze

Highlights the power dynamic and potential threat conveyed by the gaze.

penetrating stare

Focuses on the intensity and invasiveness of the gaze.

piercing look

Emphasizes the sharp and intense quality of the look.

uncomfortable stare

Highlights the feeling of discomfort experienced by the person being looked at.

sinister gaze

Implies a sense of evil or malevolence behind the gaze.

FAQs

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

You can use "unsettling gaze" to describe a character's expression that causes unease or discomfort. For example, "She fixed him with an unsettling gaze that made him shift uncomfortably."

What are some synonyms for "unsettling gaze"?

Alternatives include "disturbing stare", "uneasy look", or "disconcerting glare", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean when someone gives you an unsettling gaze?

An "unsettling gaze" typically indicates discomfort, unease, distrust, or even a hidden intent behind the look. It can make the recipient feel nervous or apprehensive.

Is it appropriate to describe someone's gaze as "unsettling"?

Yes, it is appropriate when the intention is to accurately depict the feeling of unease or discomfort caused by someone's look. However, be mindful of the context and avoid using it in a way that could be considered overly dramatic or insensitive.