Definitions

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.

Brussels wants to avoid upsetting farmers after a fierce fight over the trade agreement between the EU and the South American Mercosur bloc.

From Barron's • May 22, 2026

‘Lanterns’ co-creator Damon Lindelof has apologized for saying ‘Green’ is stupid and upsetting comic book fans and Grant Morrison.

From Los Angeles Times • May 18, 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

Hybrid cars have changed the pedal-to-the-metal sport, upsetting both drivers and fans.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 2, 2026

This latter missive was especially upsetting because I received it soon after learning that the list of victims had grown to include Lopsang Jangbu.

From "Into Thin Air" by Jon Krakauer

upsetting

Example Sentences

Related Words