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Showing results for unnerving. Search instead for unnervingly.
Synonyms

unnerving

American  
[uhn-nur-ving] / ʌnˈnɜr vɪŋ /

adjective

  1. depriving a person of courage, strength, determination, or confidence; disconcerting.

    There's nothing easy about job hunting, but if asked to pinpoint the most unnerving part of the process, many would say it's interviewing.

Other Word Forms

  • unnervingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of unnerving

unnerv(e) ( def. ) + -ing 2 ( def. )

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The discrepancy makes for a uniquely unnerving experience, especially in a theater with a decent sound system, where every unexpected thud can feel like it’s creeping in closer and closer.

From Salon • Mar. 15, 2026

Not surprisingly, it’s extremely unnerving for inexperienced skiers or for people who have a healthy fear of heights.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 11, 2026

"It is frustrating and when somebody is right up your backside, either flashing or becoming angry because you're doing 20 mph - it's unnerving."

From BBC • Mar. 10, 2026

Concerns about a protracted conflict, potentially lasting six to eight weeks, are unnerving traders and could further raise oil prices.

From Barron's • Mar. 5, 2026

Since Roger is a purple name, it is very unnerving to see him in red.

From "A Mango-Shaped Space" by Wendy Mass

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.