unsettled

[ uhn-set-ld ]

adjective

1. not settled; not fixed or stable; without established order; unorganized; disorganized:

   an unsettled social order; still unsettled in their new home.

   Antonyms: stable

2. continuously moving or changing; not situated in one place:

   an unsettled life.

3. wavering or uncertain, as in opinions or behavior; unstable; erratic:

   an unsettled state of mind.

   Antonyms: stable

4. not populated or settled, as a region:

   an unsettled wilderness.

5. undetermined, as a point at issue; undecided; doubtful:

   After many years the matter was still unsettled.

   Synonyms: unsure, indeterminate

6. not adjusted, closed, or disposed of, as an account, estate, or law case.
7. liable to change; inconstant; variable:

   unsettled weather.

   Synonyms: irresolute, fickle, vacillating

unsettled

/ ʌnˈsɛtəld /

adjective

1. lacking order or stability

   an unsettled era

2. unpredictable; uncertain

   an unsettled climate

3. constantly changing or moving from place to place

   an unsettled life

4. (of controversy, etc) not brought to an agreed conclusion
5. (of debts, law cases, etc) not disposed of
6. (of regions, etc) devoid of settlers

Derived Forms

• unˈsettledness, noun

Other Words From

• un·settled·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unsettled¹

First recorded in 1585–95; un- ¹ + settle ¹ + -ed ²

Synonym Study

Unsettled, unstable, unsteady imply a lack of fixity, firmness, and dependability. That which is unsettled is not fixed or determined: unsettled weather; unsettled claims. That which is unstable is wavering, changeable; easily moved, shaken, or overthrown: unstable equilibrium; an unstable decision. That which is unsteady is infirm or shaky in position or movement: unsteady on one's feet; unsteady of purpose.

Example Sentences

If these issues raise uncomfortable questions for Democrats, Clinton has reasons not to be too unsettled.

From The Daily Beast

They were the women voters who turned to the GOP in the past when things got unsettled internationally.

From The Daily Beast

“Things have been pretty unsettled,” said third-year student Joe Pittman.

From The Daily Beast

The details of exactly what Obama would do and how many people stood to get legal status were unsettled.

From The Daily Beast

Unsettled by the reality that the cops can't help them, Oakland residents are hiring private patrols.

From The Daily Beast

The ensuing day the weather was still squally and unsettled.

From Project Gutenberg

There is no doubt the Government land unsettled and untouched in this province amounts to 90 per cent.

From Project Gutenberg

The comtesse vanished at the end of six months, leaving a board bill unsettled.

From Project Gutenberg

These and other unsettled points the following inquiry attempts to make clear.

From Project Gutenberg

Last year the great question of the Spanish succession was unsettled, and there was serious danger of a general war.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• agitated
• changeable
• changing
• complicated
• confused
• disturbed
• insecure
• perilous
• perturbed
• precarious
• rattled
• restless
• shaky
• shifting
• tense
• ticklish
• troubled
• uncertain
• uneasy
• unnerved