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

"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

And in one particularly disturbing scene, Oliver gets intoxicated, begins repeatedly hitting himself in the face and rushes toward the balcony sobbing.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr Brooke said MacPhail's planning was "disturbing" and the teenager had been "perfectly able to make rational decisions and understand the consequences" of his actions.

From BBC

Related Words

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