- present participle of upset.
upsetting
Americanadjective
noun
Etymology
Origin of upsetting
Explanation
When something makes you feel worried or unhappy, it's upsetting. Learning some upsetting news right before bed can make it impossible to fall asleep. It's upsetting to lose your big chess tournament or have your dog run away. In fact, anything that causes you to feel disappointed, unsettled, or distressed is upsetting. For some people, clowns are hilarious; for others, they're deeply upsetting. This adjective's meaning comes from the verb upset, "turn over or capsize." Upsetting things make you feel like your life has been turned upside down — or upset.
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.
"I know it's very upsetting to the community, but this is where we are."
From Barron's ● Aug. 13, 2026
She noted that Heart’s sunsetting highlights an upsetting trend that’s taking over L.A.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 10, 2026
It also puts more immigration-enforcement actions in the public view, upsetting passengers and prompting some to record the encounters.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 6, 2026
It said in a statement the day had been "one of the most difficult" in the event's history and called what happened "deeply upsetting".
From BBC ● Aug. 2, 2026
“Well, honey, I don’t believe I’ve ever seen the game make someone this upset. Maybe y’all should just let it be for a little while if it’s upsetting you, okay?”
From "The Serpent King" by Jeff Zentner
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.
