unsettling observation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unsettling observation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a remark or insight that causes discomfort or unease. Example: "The scientist made an unsettling observation about the potential consequences of climate change on biodiversity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Still others offer an even more trenchant, if unsettling, observation: Gary Winnick is us.

The New York Times

Yet a visit to the gleaming, ultra-clean production line prompts another, more unsettling observation: there are hardly any workers.No human being drives forklift trucks around the factory floors, fills pill packets or loads them into boxes.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

These unsettling observations have raised concerns about the effectiveness of the immigrant selection system and the labor market suitability and recognition of immigrants' human capital.

IZA Journal of Development and Migration

These observations are somewhat unsettling, as they imply a lack of understanding of some important aspects of the transmission dynamics of this virus.

BMC Veterinary Research

Furthermore, there were indications that some of the aspects of the module that students experienced as unsettling or not directly enjoyable nevertheless led to new insights and learning outcomes; an observation that needs to be investigated in more detail, and discussed in the context of other literature in the field.

BMC Medical Education

Yet with its forceful observations and willed ambiguities, this challenging and often beautiful book can be as unsettling — and sometimes as maddening — as a long look in the mirror.

The New York Times - Books

This is unsettling".

Forbes

It was also unsettling.

The New Yorker

This is unsettling news.

The New York Times

It was unsettling stuff.

Independent

Szabo found this unsettling.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unsettling observation", clearly explain the reasoning behind the observation to avoid confusion or misinterpretation. Provide context and supporting evidence to strengthen your point.

Common error

Avoid using "unsettling observation" for minor inconveniences or slightly unusual events. Reserve it for situations that genuinely cause discomfort, anxiety, or concern. Using it too casually weakens its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unsettling observation" functions as a noun phrase, where "unsettling" modifies the noun "observation". It identifies a specific instance of noticing something that causes unease or anxiety. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unsettling observation" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that effectively conveys a sense of unease or concern. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and suggests it's most commonly found in news and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the observation genuinely warrants a degree of discomfort and provide adequate context to prevent misinterpretation. Consider alternatives like ""disturbing insight"" or ""disquieting finding"" to fine-tune the specific nuance you wish to communicate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disturbing insight

Replaces "observation" with "insight" and "unsettling" with "disturbing", focusing on the alarming nature of the understanding.

disquieting finding

Substitutes "observation" with "finding" and "unsettling" with "disquieting", highlighting a discovery that causes anxiety.

alarming conclusion

Changes "observation" to "conclusion" and "unsettling" to "alarming", emphasizing the worrying inference drawn.

troubling discovery

Replaces "observation" with "discovery" and "unsettling" with "troubling", suggesting a problematic revelation.

worrying realization

Changes "observation" to "realization" and "unsettling" to "worrying", focusing on the anxiety caused by becoming aware of something.

ominous sign

This phrase uses "ominous sign" as an alternative, suggesting a foreboding indication.

concerning trend

Replaces the original phrase with a focus on a worrisome pattern or development.

disconcerting fact

Shifts the focus to a piece of information that causes unease.

anxiety-inducing realization

Emphasizes the emotional impact of the realization, specifying that it causes anxiety.

a source of unease

This phrase uses "a source of unease" as an alternative, providing a more general expression of concern.

FAQs

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

You can use "unsettling observation" to introduce a point that makes someone feel uneasy or anxious. For example, "The scientist's unsettling observation about rising sea levels prompted immediate action".

What is a synonym for "unsettling observation"?

Synonyms for "unsettling observation" include "disturbing insight", "disquieting finding", or "alarming conclusion". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the term "unsettling observation"?

It is appropriate when you want to highlight a remark or insight that causes discomfort, anxiety, or a sense of unease. It should be used when the observation has significant implications.

What is the difference between "unsettling observation" and "worrisome observation"?

While both suggest concern, "unsettling observation" implies a deeper sense of unease and potential disruption, whereas "worrisome observation" simply indicates something is causing worry.