unnerve
verb (used with object)
to deprive of courage, strength, determination, or confidence; upset.
had been unnerving
-
past perfect progressiveof unnerve.past perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
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.
After months sailing across the vast, empty Pacific, it had been unnerving to navigate into bustling Auckland Harbour, dodging ferries and fishing boats.
From Slate ● Jul. 22, 2025
He said it had been unnerving to see the police activity and that officers had been seen in the area as long ago as last Wednesday.
From BBC ● Feb. 28, 2024
Mr. Galvin noted that the uncertainty surrounding trade had been unnerving.
From New York Times ● Dec. 6, 2019
Seeing his brother had been unnerving yesterday, but today he felt as though everything had been all right all along.
From Anything You Can Do! by Randall Garrett
Seeing his brother's image on the TV had been unnerving yesterday, but today he felt as though everything had been all right all along.
From Anything You Can Do ... by Randall Garrett
