upset
verb (used with object)
to overturn.
were upsetting
-
past progressiveof upset.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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 photos of the tearing down of the East Wing were upsetting because they felt like a metaphor for the idea that history itself can be made to disappear.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 23, 2025
The prince told the court during his evidence that these suggestions were upsetting and embarrassing at the time as he was still at school.
From BBC ● Jun. 8, 2023
Pandemic closures were upsetting for any venue, but these were cornerstones for LGBTQ+ communities, and there was no indication if or when they would ever come back.
From Seattle Times ● Feb. 25, 2022
"The events of the March 10 broadcast were upsetting to everyone involved, including the audience watching at home," CBS' statement said announcing her departure from "The Talk."
From Fox News ● Sep. 13, 2021
“Dr. Weinberg said my pixies were upsetting her golem.”
From "The Marvellers" by Dhonielle Clayton
