disturbing

[dih-stur-bing] / dɪˈstɜr bɪŋ /

ADJECTIVE

disquieting

Synonyms

STRONGEST

alarming annoying bothersome creepy depressing disconcerting discouraging distressing embarrassing frightening irritating ominous painful perplexing sinister startling threatening troublesome troubling unpleasant unsettling upsetting vexing worrisome worrying

STRONG

aggravating agitating discommoding discomposing dismaying foreboding harassing impeding perturbing provoking trying

WEAK

burdensome consequential difficult disagreeable discomforting gloomy hard inconvenient irksome laborious onerous pessimistic prophetic severe tiresome toilsome uncertain wearisome

Antonyms

STRONGEST

agreeable auspicious comforting delightful easy encouraging good happy helpful nice pleasant pleasing

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.

This group has so far never met a decline not worth buying, or difficult market conditions without a silver lining, which raises a disturbing question: What horror must occur to scare them?

From Barron's • Apr. 15, 2026

Earlier, solicitor Nicola Ryan-Donnelly, from law firm Fletcher's, which is representing 22 of the injured and traumatised children, said the findings were "disturbing and frankly depressing".

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

A new study of Neanderthal remains from a cave in Belgium is shedding light on a disturbing aspect of prehistoric life.

From Science Daily • Apr. 12, 2026

Virtually every AI super-brain created has been shown to lie, deceive, and in general behave in disturbing and unethical ways when put in the right conditions.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

Despite her vow to avoid this disturbing tale before bedtime, she had been unable to resist taking a peek.

From "The Unseen Guest" by Maryrose Wood

Vocabulary lists containing disturbing

May the 4th Be With You: Star Wars Words

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Mockingbird

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Liar & Spy

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!