upsetting

[uhp-set-ing] / ʌpˈsɛt ɪŋ /

ADJECTIVE

disturbing

Synonyms

STRONGEST

alarming annoying bothersome creepy depressing disconcerting discouraging disquieting disruptive distressing embarrassing frightening inconvenient irritating painful startling threatening tiresome troublesome troubling trying unpleasant vexing worrisome worrying

STRONG

aggravating agitating discommoding discomposing dismaying foreboding harassing impeding perplexing perturbing provoking unsettling

WEAK

burdensome consequential difficult disagreeable discomforting distressful gloomy hard intrusive irksome laborious ominous onerous pessimistic prophetic severe sinister toilsome troublous uncertain wearisome

Antonyms

STRONGEST

agreeable calming comforting convenient delightful easy encouraging facile good happy helpful nice pleasant pleasing settling soothing

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.

“Our findings suggest that a huge storm after a long calm can be more upsetting to people who are not used to bad weather,” the two authors wrote.

From Barron's • May 27, 2026

Being reminded you were anxious months after the fact can be upsetting.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 25, 2026

“The Diplomat” “I’m not sure if ‘Pluribus’ actually stands much of a chance at upsetting a ‘The Pitt’ repeat, but what interests me most at this juncture is what will fit in the other spots.

From Los Angeles Times • May 21, 2026

Unlike with data centers on Earth, SpaceX and Google wouldn’t have to worry about upsetting nearby residents, who often object to the projects.

From MarketWatch • May 12, 2026

There is reason to hope the new microbial insecticide will eliminate both the tortricids and the borers and that it will do so without upsetting natural controls.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson

upsetting

Example Sentences

Related Words