unnerving

American  

[uhn-nur-ving] / ʌnˈnɜr vɪŋ /

adjective

1. depriving a person of courage, strength, determination, or confidence; disconcerting.

   There's nothing easy about job hunting, but if asked to pinpoint the most unnerving part of the process, many would say it's interviewing.

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Other Word Forms

• unnervingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of unnerving

unnerv(e) ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. )

Explanation

Use the adjective unnerving to describe situations and experiences that cause you to lose your courage. No matter how brave you are, a walk alone through a cemetery at night is bound to be a little unnerving. You might find it unnerving to get a flat tire on a deserted country road at sunset, or to find yourself onstage mid-play having completely forgotten your lines. In the 1620's, the root word unnerve meant "to destroy the strength of," but by the early 1700's it came to mean "to deprive of courage."

Example Sentences

In it, a husband and wife adopt a cat, Sheila, who develops an unnerving disposition come nightfall.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026

De Wet maintains an unnerving smile and intensity throughout “Hag,” playing the role with as much humor as it deserves.

From Salon • Apr. 5, 2026

"It is frustrating and when somebody is right up your backside, either flashing or becoming angry because you're doing 20 mph - it's unnerving."

From BBC • Mar. 10, 2026

Concerns about a protracted conflict, potentially lasting six to eight weeks, are unnerving traders and could further raise oil prices.

From Barron's • Mar. 5, 2026

It had been years since the technique had thrown Sierra off guard, but it was still unnerving.

From "Shadowshaper" by Daniel José Older

Related Words

• abhorrent
• appalling
• atrocious
• awesome
• awful
• dangerous
• dire
• disastrous
• disturbing
• dreadful
• frightful
• ghastly
• gruesome
• harrowing
• hideous
• horrendous
• horrid
• horrifying
• serious
• severe