unsettling matter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unsettling matter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a topic or issue that causes discomfort or anxiety. Example: "The report addressed an unsettling matter that had been overlooked for too long."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The unsettling matter of mortality seems ever-present in the Holland Bar, a smoke-choked dive so narrow that you couldn't fall down drunk if you tried.

The New York Times

Ms. Zipf cited the unsettling matter of plastic tampon applicators, which once turned up in abundance, an indication not of bad personal habits, but that raw sewage was getting to the beach (since the applicators would normally be skimmed off in the treatment process).

The New York Times

There also was the unsettling matter of her granny underwear.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The movie was a hit last year precisely because of the unsettling subject matter: unarmed protesters and innocent bystanders are shot in the streets or sadistically beaten in police stations.

The New York Times

Corbell's film is nominally a documentary, but it has the heart of a horror flick a unique thematic combination that perfectly suits its deeply unsettling subject matter.

Vice

According to the newspaper it was Carr who came up with the idea to "educate and engage with young people on unsettling matters".

The Guardian - Opinion

One of the unsettling matters I suspect was not touched on was the way the police abuse these powers and stop a vast number of people simply to keep the race quotas balanced.

The Guardian - Opinion

The story of the immigrant, Iyman Faris, remains unsettling, no matter how grandiose his plot.

The New York Times

Any departing liner is unsettling, no matter what voice it is in, but Mary and Elizabeth blow an almost irresistible summons.

The New Yorker

The enthusiasm of large crowds is always a bit unsettling: no matter how innocent the occasion, you can imagine the energy of the collective being channelled to less wholesome ends.

The New Yorker

It's a chaotic collage that feels every bit as unsettling as its subject matter, the sort of record that makes you want to throw down your headphones and take to the streets.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about an event, specify who is unsettled and why for maximum impact. Describing the impact of the matter enhances clarity and engagement.

Common error

Avoid using "unsettling matter" in very casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or dramatic in everyday situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unsettling matter" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It identifies a specific topic or situation that causes discomfort or anxiety. According to Ludwig, this is a correct and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unsettling matter" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe topics causing unease, primarily found in news and media. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability. While not overly common, it's suitable for neutral to formal contexts. Alternatives such as "disturbing issue" or "troubling subject" offer similar meanings with slightly different emphasis. When using "unsettling matter", consider the context and intended emotional impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disturbing issue

Focuses more on the troublesome nature of the subject.

troubling subject

Highlights the problematic or worrying aspect of the topic.

worrying development

Emphasizes the unfolding and potentially negative nature of the situation.

concerning issue

Indicates a cause for concern or anxiety.

problematic situation

Draws attention to the difficulties and potential complications.

alarming trend

Highlights a pattern that is cause for alarm.

disquieting situation

Emphasizes the anxiety and unease caused by the scenario.

vexing question

Focuses on the difficulty and complexity of the query.

awkward predicament

Highlights the uncomfortable or embarrassing nature of the situation.

delicate subject

Emphasizes the need for careful handling and sensitivity.

FAQs

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

You can use "unsettling matter" to describe a topic or situation that causes unease or discomfort. For example, "The report addressed an unsettling matter that had been overlooked for too long."

What phrases are similar to "unsettling matter"?

Similar phrases include "disturbing issue", "troubling subject", or "worrying development". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "unsettling matter" formal or informal?

"Unsettling matter" is generally considered suitable for neutral to formal contexts, such as news articles, reports, or professional communications. It might sound slightly out of place in very casual settings.

What's the difference between "unsettling matter" and "concerning issue"?

While both phrases express concern, "unsettling matter" emphasizes a sense of unease or disturbance, whereas "concerning issue" simply highlights a problem that requires attention. The former evokes a stronger emotional response.