disturbing

[dih-stur-bing]

adjective

1. upsetting or disquieting; dismaying.

   a disturbing increase in the crime rate.

Other Word Forms

• disturbingly adverb
• nondisturbing adjective
• undisturbing adjective
• undisturbingly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of disturbing¹

First recorded in 1585–95; disturb + -ing ²

Example Sentences

Bonta said the practice enables “the use of race to potentially discriminate,” saying “it is disturbing and it is troubling.”

From Los Angeles Times

Mr Hasan said he had asked Whybrow to keep his music down, which was disturbing other residents in the early hours of the morning, but was ignored and so he complained to the council.

From BBC

Some are never found and others reappear with disturbing accounts of violence or torture – and some have been found dead.

From BBC

Among their more disturbing finds: A box containing human ashes, a gun, dead dogs.

From Los Angeles Times

Officials from the Parade Command Office have said "the overarching principle... is to avoid disturbing the public as much as possible".

From BBC

Related Words

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