unsettling

/ʌnˈsetlɪŋ/ (bre, ipa) · [ənsˈɛtəlɪŋ] /ʌnˈsetlɪŋ/ (ame, ipa) · [ənsˈɛtəlɪŋ] /ˌən-ˈset-liŋ,  -ˈse-tᵊl-iŋ How to pronounce unsettling (audio)/ (ame, mw)

unsettling — adjective

  • unsettlingpositive
  • more unsettlingcomparative
  • most unsettlingsuperlative

1. causing a system, arrangement, or set of relationships to become less stable or

1.形容詞C1
釋義

causing a system, arrangement, or set of relationships to become less stable or predictable, often leading to noticeable change

例句

The sudden departure of the CEO was unsettling for the company, triggering a major restructuring.

copula: be unsettling for [entity]

New technologies can be deeply unsettling for traditional industries, often displacing entire business models.

同義詞
  • destabilizing

    more technical; focuses specifically on loss of stability rather than the resulting change

  • disruptive

    broader; can describe any interruption, not necessarily a shift in power or structure

  • transformative

    neutral or positive in tone; unsettling implies the change is jarring or unwelcome

反義詞
  • stabilizing

    the direct opposite — making a system more secure rather than less

  • reassuring

    restoring confidence rather than shaking it

用法筆記

Subject is typically an abstract entity — a policy, discovery, technology, event, or shift — not a person. Frequently used with the preposition 'for' (the affected entity) or 'to' (the observer).

常見錯誤

❌The new teacher was unsettling to the students.' (if you mean the teacher caused change rather than anxiety).
✅The new grading system was unsettling to the students because it changed how their work was evaluated.
💡sense 1 requires a system-level change, not personal discomfort.

2. creating a feeling of unease, nervousness, or mild anxiety, usually because some

2.形容詞B2
釋義

creating a feeling of unease, nervousness, or mild anxiety, usually because something is strange, unexpected, or hard to make sense of

例句

The silence in the dark house was deeply unsettling, and Owen decided to leave immediately.

collocation: deeply unsettling

Kofi found the documentary unsettling because it showed images he could not forget.

同義詞
  • disturbing

    stronger and more specific; often implies moral shock or a violation of expectations

  • troubling

    suggests something that provokes concern or worry about consequences

  • disconcerting

    formal; emphasizes confusion or embarrassment rather than anxiety

  • unnerving

    suggests a loss of confidence or courage, often due to fear

反義詞
  • reassuring

    restoring confidence and putting someone at ease

  • calming

    reducing anxiety rather than creating it

  • comforting

    soothing and providing emotional support

用法筆記

Frequently modifies nouns describing experiences or perceptions: feeling, dream, thought, silence, atmosphere, sight, news. This sense can apply to both people and situations — a person's behavior or a place's atmosphere can both be unsettling.

常見錯誤

❌The movie was very unsettling, I cried for hours.
✅The movie was very unsettling, and I could not fall asleep afterwards because I kept thinking about it.
💡unsettling creates anxiety and unease, not sadness. Use 'upsetting' for sadness.
❌The chair was unsettling.
✅The silence was unsettling.
💡unsettling is not used for physical discomfort. Use 'uncomfortable' for physical discomfort.