Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

disquieting

American  
[dis-kwahy-i-ting] / dɪsˈkwaɪ ɪ tɪŋ /

adjective

  1. causing anxiety or uneasiness; disturbing.

    disquieting news.


Other Word Forms

  • disquietingly adverb
  • self-disquieting adjective

Etymology

Origin of disquieting

First recorded in 1570–80; disquiet + -ing 2

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."

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing disquieting

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.

A week on, the noise and energy have ebbed, giving way to a rare, disquieting calm in a capital usually thronging with 10 million people.

From Barron's • Mar. 7, 2026

It was those influencers I found most disquieting during my time in Tucson.

From Slate • Feb. 23, 2026

Great artists major in defiance and minor in delusion: You will want to see what I have to offer, and love it, even if it is unfamiliar, disquieting and as ravishingly uncommercial as “Architecton.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 2, 2025

By refusing to commit to a disquieting atmosphere, Cregger dulls his provocation, making “Weapons” feel timid, even flippant, in the face of a genuine American crisis.

From Salon • Aug. 8, 2025

The thought was strangely disquieting, like she didn’t really know him.

From "When Dimple Met Rishi" by Sandhya Menon