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Synonyms

disconcerting

American  
[dis-kuhn-sur-ting] / ˌdɪs kənˈsɜr tɪŋ /

adjective

  1. disturbing to one's composure or self-possession; upsetting, discomfiting.

  2. confusing, usually in the face of something totally unexpected; perplexing.

disconcerting British  
/ ˌdɪskənˈsɜːtɪŋ /

adjective

  1. causing a feeling of disturbance, embarrassment, or confusion; perturbing; worrying

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • disconcertingly adverb
  • disconcertingness noun

Etymology

Origin of disconcerting

disconcert ( def. ) + -ing 2 ( def. )

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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.

But with the start of the 2026 season came disconcerting news.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

While such an effect is highly unlikely and would probably be a tad disconcerting, Ms Mansfield says polynucleotides are forging the way when it comes to regenerative skincare.

From BBC • Nov. 21, 2025

Technically, the picture remains disconcerting for CarMax, with shares below downward-sloping moving-day averages.

From Barron's • Oct. 28, 2025

It is a little bit disconcerting that the NYSE-based CVB has not made a new high.

From MarketWatch • Oct. 16, 2025

And he gave it back to Will, with a disconcerting, unreadable long stare out of his deep black eyes.

From "The Amber Spyglass" by Philip Pullman

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.