upset
verb (used with object)
to overturn.
had been upsetting
-
past perfect progressiveof upset.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.
Wills also told BBC Radio Manchester it had been "upsetting" when Tameside's children's services department was placed in special measures for the second time in 10 years.
From BBC ● Oct. 22, 2025
The audience was mostly positive, but a handful of critics, including members of Ted’s staff, complained that the talk had been upsetting, harmful and inaccurate, even though it had been fact-checked by the organization.
From New York Times ● Feb. 1, 2024
But she did say the cancellation of the medals ceremony for the team event had been upsetting.
From New York Times ● Feb. 15, 2022
Earlier in court, the judge told the jury the footage had been "upsetting" to watch but there was no intention to show any of the other videos.
From BBC ● Oct. 17, 2016
What a fool I had been, upsetting that glass of port.
From "Rebecca" by Daphne du Maurier
