troubling

1 of 2

adjective

trou·​bling ˈtrə-b(ə-)liŋ 

: causing feelings of worry or anxiety

a troubling news report

It's not just trauma survivors who may be distracted or derailed by shocking or troubling material …

—Angus Johnston

troublingly adverb

troubling

2 of 2

present participle of trouble entry 2

Synonyms of troubling

Adjective

• disturbing
• unsettling
• frightening

Examples of troubling in a Sentence

Adjective

the most troubling sign of all is that he's stopped returning my phone calls

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

That's a troubling development that to some implies a broken market. — Sarah Min, CNBC, 6 Oct. 2026

The incident became even more troubling after reports that models had turned up on a dozen other websites. — Alyson Shontell, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2026

The husband and wife behind a California luxury clothing brand were found shot dead outside their hillside home, as relatives reportedly revealed troubling details about the days before their deaths. — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 5 Oct. 2026

What readers are saying The conversation explores a deeply troubling incident involving a young woman and multiple fraternity members, focusing on issues of consent, intoxication, and the responsibilities of individuals in such situations. — Megan McArdle, Washington Post, 4 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for troubling

• bubbling
• doubling
• redoubling