unsettling time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unsettling time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a period that causes discomfort, anxiety, or uncertainty. Example: "The world is going through an unsettling time, with many people feeling anxious about the future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

September is an unsettling time of year.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"This is an unsettling time for players in his situation.

Independent

The last six months have been an unsettling time politically.

The Guardian

This can be an unsettling time of year.

The Guardian - Sport

Such shifts make it an exciting — and unsettling — time to be an entomologist.

Yale University

It was in the early Nineties and it was a very unsettling time, economically.

The Telegraph

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

But if there is one subject that truly unsettles a group of people who have endured exceptionally unsettling times, it is the prospect that this may -- this will -- come to an end one day.

The New York Times

These are unsettling times.

Stanford University

We live in unsettling times.

The Guardian - Money

These are deeply unsettling times in the Netherlands.

The Guardian - Film

Those dark, unsettling times never leave you alone.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unsettling time", consider the specific emotion or aspect of unease you want to convey (e.g., anxiety, uncertainty, instability) and choose the most appropriate related phrase for that context.

Common error

While "unsettling time" is appropriate in many situations, overuse can diminish its impact. Vary your language by using more specific terms like "tumultuous period" or "precarious moment" to maintain the reader's interest and precisely convey the nuances of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unsettling time" functions as a noun phrase, where "unsettling" modifies "time". Ludwig AI validates its correct usage. It generally acts as a subject complement or object of a preposition, describing the nature of a specific period.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

16%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unsettling time" effectively describes periods characterized by anxiety, uncertainty, or instability. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used, particularly in news and media, with a neutral register. While versatile, it's advisable to consider context-specific alternatives like "turbulent era" or "precarious moment" to enhance precision and avoid overuse. When employing "unsettling time", focusing on the underlying cause of the unease and using specific language will improve clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

troubled period

This alternative focuses on the problematic or difficult nature of the time.

turbulent era

This alternative emphasizes the chaotic and disruptive aspects of the time.

precarious moment

This alternative highlights the instability and potential danger of the time.

anxious juncture

This alternative emphasizes the feeling of worry and apprehension associated with the time.

uneasy climate

This alternative focuses on the general atmosphere of discomfort and apprehension.

challenging phase

This alternative emphasizes the difficulties and demands of the time.

uncertain stage

This alternative highlights the lack of clarity and predictability of the time.

precarious situation

This alternative focuses on the dangerous and unstable state of affairs.

difficult chapter

This alternative frames the time as part of a larger narrative, emphasizing its challenging nature.

volatile period

This alternative emphasizes the rapid and unpredictable changes occurring during the time.

FAQs

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

You can use "unsettling time" to describe periods marked by uncertainty, anxiety, or instability. For example, "The pandemic has created an unsettling time for many businesses."

What can I say instead of "unsettling time"?

You can use alternatives like "troubled period", "turbulent era", or "precarious moment" depending on the specific context.

Is it always negative to describe something as an "unsettling time"?

Yes, "unsettling time" generally carries a negative connotation, implying discomfort, anxiety, or instability. While it doesn't necessarily mean catastrophic, it does suggest a period of unease or concern.

What makes a time period "unsettling"?

A time period can be "unsettling" due to various factors, such as political instability, economic uncertainty, social unrest, or major global events that disrupt normal life and create anxiety about the future.