disturbingly

IPA/dɪˈstɜːbɪŋli/
KK[dɪstˈɚbɪŋli]IPA/dɪˈstɜːrbɪŋli/

disturbingly — adverb

1. so as to give you a strong sense that something is seriously wrong, often leavin

1.adverbC1
Definition

so as to give you a strong sense that something is seriously wrong, often leaving you uneasy or slightly shocked

Example

The report showed a disturbingly high number of injuries among night-shift staff.

disturbingly + high: degree modifier

Disturbingly, the children laughed while the stray dog struggled in the canal.

sentence adverb at clause start

Common collocations
  • disturbingly high
  • disturbingly quiet
  • disturbingly calm
  • disturbingly easy
  • disturbingly detailed
Synonyms
  • worryingly

    more general; focuses on concern about what may happen next

  • alarmingly

    stronger and more urgent, often suggesting immediate danger

  • shockingly

    puts more weight on surprise or outrage than quiet unease

Antonyms
  • reassuringly

    shows that something makes people feel safer or less doubtful

  • comfortingly

    suggests warmth or calm rather than unease

Grammar Patterns

disturbingly + adjective/adverb

Disturbingly, + clause

Usage Note

Often used before an adjective or adverb, especially to show that an amount, manner, or reaction feels wrong in a deeper way than simple worry. At the start of a clause, it comments on the whole situation and often suggests moral discomfort as well as surprise.

Common Mistakes

The film was disturbingly.
The film was disturbing.
after 'be' you need the adjective 'disturbing'; 'disturbingly' is an adverb.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adverb/1

All four adverbs describe something that upsets the observer, but they lean in different directions. 'Disturbingly' suggests a deeper unease, often with the feeling that something is morally or emotionally wrong, as in a disturbingly calm reply after a tragedy. 'Worryingly' is broader and more practical: it points to concern about a bad result or trend, such as worryingly low sales or worryingly high debt. 'Alarmingly' is sharper and more urgent, often used when danger feels immediate. 'Shockingly' stresses surprise, outrage, or disbelief more than quiet unease. When the reaction is not just concern but a lingering sense that the situation feels wrong, 'disturbingly' is the best fit.

disturbingly ↗worryingly ↗alarmingly ↗shockingly

Common collocations

Phrases

  • disturbingly high
  • disturbingly quiet
  • disturbingly calm
  • disturbingly easy
  • disturbingly detailed

Etymology

LatinOld FrenchMiddle EnglishEnglish

Built in English from the verb 'disturb', which came through Old French from Latin 'disturbare' meaning 'to throw into disorder' or 'break up', then formed into the adjective 'disturbing' and the adverb 'disturbingly' with the suffix '-ly'. The word keeps that core idea of something upsetting the normal order of things, whether emotionally, morally, or physically.