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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.

Tracy says she "cannot describe how upsetting and frustrating" it was to deal with NS&I when trying to find her late father's premium bonds.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

"It's quite upsetting because I've worked really hard for the last three years to achieve a 2:1 just to be rejected for not having experience."

From BBC • Mar. 18, 2026

Like no one ever really cries and it’s not upsetting.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 10, 2026

At the WBC in 2023, it reached the quarterfinals for the first time after upsetting South Korea.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 8, 2026

The upsetting feeling of certainty stopped her from seeing the man she was kissing, but she managed to hear his tremulous voice in the midst of the deafening shouts and laughter of the audience.

From "One Hundred Years of Solitude" by Gabriel Garcia Marquez