disconcerting

American  

[dis-kuhn-sur-ting] / ˌdɪs kənˈsɜr tɪŋ /

adjective

1. disturbing to one's composure or self-possession; upsetting, discomfiting.

2. confusing, usually in the face of something totally unexpected; perplexing.

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disconcerting British  

/ ˌdɪskənˈsɜːtɪŋ /

adjective

1. causing a feeling of disturbance, embarrassment, or confusion; perturbing; worrying

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Other Word Forms

• disconcertingly adverb
• disconcertingness noun

Etymology

Origin of disconcerting

disconcert ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. )

Compare meaning

How does disconcerting compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• disconcerting vs. concerning

Example Sentences

While such an effect is highly unlikely and would probably be a tad disconcerting, Ms Mansfield says polynucleotides are forging the way when it comes to regenerative skincare.

From BBC

The recent spate of disconcerting news has felt sudden—and jarring.

From The Wall Street Journal

“It’s disconcerting and troubling that the content coming out of Israel is being treated differently from any other country,” Redstone said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Most disconcerting was the performance of Vesia, the team’s most trusted reliever.

From Los Angeles Times

The self-infantilizing is disconcerting to watch, and no doubt petrifying to experience firsthand, but Gaga dodges the fan and gets into her waiting vehicle.

From Salon

Related Words

• alarming
• annoying
• bothersome
• creepy
• depressing
• discouraging
• distressing
• embarrassing
• frightening
• irritating
• ominous
• painful
• perplexing
• sinister
• startling
• threatening
• troublesome
• troubling
• unpleasant
• unsettling