Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Showing results for unnerving. Search instead for unnervingly.
Synonyms

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.

Other Word Forms

  • unnervingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of unnerving

unnerv(e) ( def. ) + -ing 2 ( def. )

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 discrepancy makes for a uniquely unnerving experience, especially in a theater with a decent sound system, where every unexpected thud can feel like it’s creeping in closer and closer.

From Salon • Mar. 15, 2026

The feature debut from writer-director Graham Parkes is also one of three films at the fest to feature comedy star Kate Berlant, here in a double role as unnerving twin couples-therapy influencers.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 12, 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

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

Vivi is up there, holding out her arms, watching me in that unnerving way she has, as though she knows my very thoughts.

From "The Cruel Prince" by Holly Black

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.