- present participle of disquiet.
disquieting
Americanadjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of disquieting
Explanation
When something really upsets or worries you, you can describe it as disquieting. The very best horror movies are supposed to be disquieting. Scary TV shows and books are disquieting, and even the local news or a documentary can be a bit disquieting, making you feel uncomfortable or rattled. In other words, they upset you with disturbing ideas, images, or subjects. You could also describe disquieting things as unsettling or distressing. The Latin roots are dis, "not," and quies, "peace."
Vocabulary lists containing disquieting
Night
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!
The Giver
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!
The Great Gatsby
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.
This story of two strangers who take a job on a fishing boat — their lives are irrevocably altered once they return to shore — slowly pulls you inside its disquieting design.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 19, 2026
The concept came about in 2019, when anonymous users on message board 4chan were asked to "post disquieting images that just feel 'off'."
From BBC ● May 29, 2026
It was those influencers I found most disquieting during my time in Tucson.
From Slate ● Feb. 23, 2026
Experts say the FAA’s shifting approach telegraphs a disquieting truth about air safety as private companies increasingly push to use the skies as their laboratories: Regulators are learning as they go.
From Salon ● Jan. 12, 2026
The experience of being so coldly lied about at trial by someone you don’t even know was one of the most disquieting parts of the trial for Walter.
From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson
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.
