disconcerting
Americanadjective
-
disturbing to one's composure or self-possession; upsetting, discomfiting.
-
confusing, usually in the face of something totally unexpected; perplexing.
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of disconcerting
Compare meaning
How does disconcerting compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Explanation
Something is disconcerting if it makes you uneasy or unsettles you. Even if you don't give your little brother's dreams of conquering the world and enslaving humanity much chance of success, you may find them disconcerting. Think of a concert as something that is organized and runs smoothly. Anything that interrupts that organization and causes concern is disconcerting. The fact that your band ends each rehearsal with a screaming match is disconcerting, unless they are a punk band. Your disconcerting habit of laughing hysterically during job interviews? That may prevent you from gaining employment.
Vocabulary lists containing disconcerting
The Great Gatsby
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!
Grade 9, List 3
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!
1984
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!
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.
Not only is the narrative in this “Animal Farm” not the story you knew it to be, but its social implications could be far more disconcerting than a simple change of ideology.
From Salon • May 3, 2026
“It’s very disconcerting when you spend, spend, spend and then there’s no money coming in.”
From MarketWatch • Apr. 30, 2026
For France's mainstream left, it is all deeply disconcerting.
From BBC • Feb. 20, 2026
The recent spate of disconcerting news has felt sudden—and jarring.
From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 20, 2025
Whatever the reason, Mike’s puppy dog behavior and Eric’s apparent rivalry with him were disconcerting.
From "Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer
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.
