unsettle
verb (used with object)
to alter from a settled state; cause to be no longer firmly fixed or established; render unstable; disturb.
had unsettled
-
past perfectof unsettle.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
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.
His combative predecessor Herbert Diess, a former BMW executive, had unsettled the workforce by drawing unfavorable comparisons of Volkswagen’s technology and manufacturing with those of Tesla, which at the time was expanding rapidly.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 2, 2026
It was not obvious whether any specific media reports had unsettled him, whether social media comments played a role, or if it was something more significant from within the club at Stamford Bridge.
From BBC ● Dec. 13, 2025
Nonetheless, it’s understood many remain unpaid weeks after the sanctions announcement, despite a government decision to unfreeze accounts and “normalize” a situation that Keravnos conceded had unsettled the financial services sector.
From Seattle Times ● Jun. 8, 2023
The unease felt by the Doryens’ neighbors in Capitol Hill had unsettled him.
From New York Times ● Nov. 13, 2014
I had the impression that something had unsettled him, but he was too composed for me to tell exactly what.
From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss
