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.

In a follow-up statement later on Friday, Widdecombe's management said: "We are absolutely devastated by this news following a very traumatic and upsetting 24 hours."

From BBC • Jul. 10, 2026

The fact is, life is a minefield of potential hurt feelings, and it’s hard for people to navigate it without upsetting some.

From MarketWatch • Jul. 2, 2026

SpaceX also aggressively built up its satellite communications business with Starlink, upsetting executives who both rely on SpaceX rockets and compete with the internet service.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 2, 2026

Saudi Arabia is looking for its first World Cup win since upsetting eventual champion Argentina in its 2022 opener.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 26, 2026

This compliment, somehow upsetting to Constance, kept her quiet for some time.

From "The Mysterious Benedict Society" by Trenton Lee Stewart

upsetting

Example Sentences

Related Words