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
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
She said the delays were upsetting for families and relatives found the thought of their loved ones being left in hospital difficult.
From BBC ● Apr. 7, 2021
There were other things, too, that were upsetting me at the time.
From "The Chosen" by Chaim Potok
