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Definitions

upsetting

[uhp-set-ing] / ʌpˈsɛt ɪŋ /
ADJECTIVE
disturbing
Synonyms
STRONGEST
alarming annoying bothersome creepy depressing disconcerting discouraging disquieting disruptive distressing embarrassing frightening inconvenient irritating painful startling threatening tiresome troublesome troubling trying unpleasant vexing worrisome worrying
STRONG
aggravating agitating discommoding discomposing dismaying foreboding harassing impeding perplexing perturbing provoking unsettling
WEAK
burdensome consequential difficult disagreeable discomforting distressful gloomy hard intrusive irksome laborious ominous onerous pessimistic prophetic severe sinister toilsome troublous uncertain wearisome
Antonyms
STRONGEST
agreeable calming comforting convenient delightful easy encouraging facile good happy helpful nice pleasant pleasing settling soothing

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.

"I'm upset and it's not fair on me or the family - and certainly not on Paula... it's extremely upsetting."

From BBC • Apr. 29, 2026

Forced to restructure the film and mix existing footage with reshot scenes, all of those sequences of Michael alongside children now feel eerie and upsetting, even if the film doesn’t touch on the allegations.

From Salon • Apr. 25, 2026

This refers to a network of smaller private Chinese refineries that became the primary buyers of Iranian crude after China’s state-owned energy giants, wary of upsetting Washington, left the market.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

Private Chinese refineries, known as “teapots,” have become the primary buyers of Iranian crude, after China’s state-owned energy giants, wary of upsetting Washington, left the market.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

I'd seen the abuse of power in many cases before, but there was something especially upsetting about it here, where not only a single defendant was being victimized but an entire community as well.

From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson