disturbing

word · lemma: disturb

/dɪˈstɝbɪŋ/
di-STUR-bing
/dɪstˈɜːbɪŋ/
di-STUR-bing

Definition

Something disturbing makes you feel upset, worried, shocked, or uncomfortable, often because it is unpleasant or emotionally difficult to see, hear, or think about.

Usage & Nuances

Often used for news, images, behavior, thoughts, or experiences that affect you emotionally. Stronger and more serious than just 'strange' or 'unpleasant'. Common patterns: 'a disturbing story', 'deeply disturbing', 'find something disturbing'.

Example Sentences

The movie has some disturbing scenes.

basic

I heard a disturbing noise outside last night.

basic

His message was really disturbing.

basic

What I find most disturbing is how calm he sounded.

natural

The report paints a pretty disturbing picture of what happened.

natural

Some of the comments under that post were honestly disturbing.

natural