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

As Trump's cabinet takes form, Colbert emphasized, "A lot of Americans are feeling unsettled since the election which is one of the reasons why according to Google internet searches for how to move abroad are up by 1000%."

From Salon

At his grandmother’s house, Mr Thomas seemed unsettled, the court was told.

From BBC

With Venice and Telluride over and the Toronto Film Festival wrapping, Times columnist Glenn Whipp looks at an Oscar season that seems delightfully unsettled.

From Los Angeles Times

With Venice and Telluride over and the Toronto Film Festival wrapping, Times columnist Glenn Whipp looks at an Oscar season that seems delightfully unsettled.

From Los Angeles Times

The former president defeated Vice President Kamala Harris by harnessing the abiding dissatisfaction of many Americans — uneasy about the high cost of living, unsettled about a southern border they view as insecure and disturbed over an evolving culture they feel has strayed too far from traditional values.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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