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

Back at the East Portland pizza party in Luuwit Park, Candace Avalos — an environmental justice activist who describes herself as a first-generation Blacktina as a daughter of Black Americans and Guatemalan immigrants – is rattling off disturbing statistics about the district.

From Salon

More disturbing: Reba says she’s the daughter of a Republican momma and a daddy who was Pennywise the Clown from Stephen King’s “It.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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