disturbing

[ dih-stur-bing ]

adjective

1. upsetting or disquieting; dismaying:

   a disturbing increase in the crime rate.

Other Words From

• dis·turbing·ly adverb
• nondis·turbing adjective
• undis·turbing adjective
• undis·turbing·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of disturbing¹

First recorded in 1585–95; disturb + -ing ²

Example Sentences

“The indictment and the allegations represent, if true, a disturbing and disappointing house of cards that deceived and victimized many across the country,” Carvalho said.

From Los Angeles Times

First, the team needed to find a way to run their experiments without disturbing the tissue.

From Science Daily

"This is something we have been considering for a while given the often disturbing content promoted or found on the platform, including far-right conspiracy theories and racism," it added.

From BBC

“The accusations against Ms. Matarico are deeply disturbing and violate the trust that was placed in her by the students, their families, and the entire community,” Los Angeles County Dist.

From Los Angeles Times

In 2004, disturbing images from the prison were leaked, including one showing a soldier pulling a naked inmate on a dog leash.

From BBC

Related Words

• alarming
• annoying
• bothersome
• creepy
• depressing
• disconcerting
• discouraging
• distressing
• embarrassing
• frightening
• irritating
• ominous
• painful
• perplexing
• sinister
• startling
• threatening
• troublesome
• troubling
• unpleasant