disturbing

1 of 2

adjective

dis·​turb·​ing di-ˈstər-biŋ 

: causing feelings of worry, concern, or anxiety

disturbing news

a disturbing discovery

The next phase in which I had a part was even more disturbing, and infinitely more painful.

—Bram Stoker

disturbingly

di-ˈstər-biŋ-lē 

adverb

disturbingly high levels of pollution

a disturbingly familiar problem

… the texture of ordinary life and talk has taken on a disturbingly ambiguous quality …

—Jonathan Raban

disturbing

2 of 2

present participle of disturb

Synonyms of disturbing

Adjective

• annoying
• frustrating
• irritating

Examples of disturbing in a Sentence

Adjective

a disturbing visit by the next-door neighbor while I was trying to study

there was a disturbing silence as I struggled to remember her name

a disturbing trend in the nation's energy consumption

a disturbing pause in the normally smooth operation of the machinery

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Artificial’s timeliness in that regard is striking, even disturbing. — David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 5 Oct. 2026

At the time, the Tompkins County District Attorney declined to bring charges, this week telling ABC News the allegations may be morally disturbing, but Jane Doe's account in 2024 did not constitute a crime. — ABC News, 4 Oct. 2026

Authorities say the man contacted Katie Miller at least 40 times over the course of several weeks, sometimes leaving disturbing voicemails and text messages about her and her husband, Stephen Miller, who serves as White House deputy chief of staff. — Alanna Durkin Richer, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026

The development, announced Wednesday, is the latest turn in a disturbing player-health controversy that could lead to legal action. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 30 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1594, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing disturbing

• disturbing the peace

Rhymes for disturbing

• perturbing
• curbing