unnerve
verb (used with object)
to deprive of courage, strength, determination, or confidence; upset.
is unnerving
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present progressiveof unnerve (3rd person singular).present progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or state that is currently taking place in the immediate present.
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.
The violence in the Puerto Vallarta area is unnerving America’s community of expat retirees in Mexico, a destination popular with the growing number of people retiring abroad.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 24, 2026
Ahead of a snap election in Japan, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has pledged to scrap a tax on food, but a lack of clear funding is unnerving markets and voters.
From Barron's ● Jan. 28, 2026
The simulation of human handicraft — of stagehands and horn players hiding in the wings — is unnerving.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 3, 2025
“The incident that took place this morning is unnerving and yet another reason why we need to do more to prevent gun violence,” Melgar said in a statement.
From Seattle Times ● Jun. 23, 2022
Izzi and I exchange a glance at that—his sheer competence is unnerving.
From "An Ember in the Ashes" by Sabaa Tahir
