C1adjectiveemotionspsychology
US/ʌnˈset.lɪŋ/
UK/ʌnˈset.lɪŋ/
making you feel worried, nervous or slightly afraid
In context
There was something unsettling about the way he stared at us.
Moving to a new country can be very unsettling for young children.
The doctor's silence was more unsettling than any bad news.
Words that go with unsettling
adjective + noun
- unsettling experienceLosing your job without warning is an unsettling experience.
- unsettling feelingI had an unsettling feeling that someone was following me.
- unsettling effectConstant news alerts can have an unsettling effect on your mood.
adverb + adjective
- deeply unsettlingMany viewers found the film's ending deeply unsettling.
- slightly unsettlingIt's slightly unsettling to see your own face on a billboard.