Off-putting: meaning, definitions and examples

Use 'off-putting' when describing something that causes a mild sense of discomfort or aversion.

• The strong smell of the dish was quite off-putting.
• His rude behavior was off-putting to the guests.

Use 'unpleasant' for describing something that is simply not enjoyable or agreeable.

• The weather today is quite unpleasant.
• He had an unpleasant experience at the dentist.

Use 'repellent' to describe something that causes strong aversion or disgust. This word often has a stronger negative connotation.

• The sight of the decaying food was repellent.
• His racist comments were absolutely repellent.

Use 'disconcerting' to describe something that causes confusion or worry, often because it is unexpected.

• The sudden change in his attitude was disconcerting.
• It was disconcerting to see how quickly the situation escalated.

Use 'disturbing' when referring to something that causes intense discomfort, worry, or distress.

• The horror movie had some disturbing scenes.
• I find the level of violence in that video game disturbing.

Use 'unsettling' to describe something that causes a subtle or creeping feeling of discomfort or uneasiness.

• The eerie silence in the house was unsettling.
• There was an unsettling article about the recent events.