Synonyms

upsetting

American

[uhp-set-ing] / ʌpˈsɛt ɪŋ /

adjective

tending to disturb or upset.

an upsetting experience.

upsetting British

/ ʌpˈsɛtɪŋ /

noun

metallurgy the process of hammering the end of a heated bar of metal so that its width is increased locally, as in the manufacture of bolts

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of upsetting

First recorded in 1870–75; upset + -ing ²

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.

"It was so upsetting to see - especially as we believe Floss had been living in the same house as the decomposing remains of her friend."

From BBC

In many Indian families, cow's milk is believed to be too thick for infants and capable of upsetting their digestion, leading caregivers to dilute it.

From BBC

"It's been very upsetting in this limbo state, waiting for news. The family are known and loved locally so it's a really difficult time."

From BBC

“I’m just happy it turned out that we won it because it was so upsetting for a little bit,” Baffert said.

From Los Angeles Times

Anyone who has watched Baby Reindeer may tell you it can be a difficult and upsetting watch.

From BBC

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