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Unsettled: meaning, definitions and examples

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unsettled

 

[ˌʌnˈsɛtəld ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling

Not calm or steady; disturbed; not resolved or decided

Synonyms

agitated, disquieted, disturbed.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unsettled

This word is often used to describe a feeling of being unsure or worried about something, usually related to a situation or future events.

  • She felt unsettled about the upcoming job interview
  • The market remains unsettled after the recent economic reports
disturbed

This word implies a stronger sense of being troubled or upset by something, often relating to something distressing or abnormal. It can also suggest a negative emotional response.

  • She was deeply disturbed by the graphic images on the news
  • The child's disturbed behavior worried his teachers
agitated

This word describes a state of nervous excitement or restlessness. It is often used when someone is visibly upset or unable to remain calm.

  • He seemed agitated after hearing the bad news
  • The dog became agitated when the doorbell rang
disquieted

This word can be used when someone feels unease or anxiety, typically without any clear reason. It has a slightly formal tone.

  • The mysterious letter left her feeling disquieted
  • He was disquieted by the sudden changes in the company

Examples of usage

  • She felt unsettled by the sudden change in plans.
  • The unsettled weather made it difficult to plan outdoor activities.
Context #2 | Adjective

land

Not inhabited or cultivated; wild and uncultivated

Synonyms

uninhabited, untamed, wild.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unsettled

In situations where something remains unresolved or in a state of flux, often involving uncertainty or worry.

  • The weather has been unsettled for days, making it hard to plan outdoor activities.
  • She felt unsettled after hearing the unexpected news.
wild

Describing something that is in a natural state, not domesticated or cultivated; can also describe chaotic or uncontrolled behavior in a negative way.

  • They ventured into the wild jungle on their expedition.
  • His wild behavior at the party caused concern among his friends.
untamed

Referring to something that is wild and not controlled or tamed by humans, often used for nature or animals.

  • The untamed wilderness was both beautiful and treacherous.
  • He admired the untamed spirit of the wild horses.
uninhabited

Describing a place where no people live, often used for remote or deserted areas.

  • The island was uninhabited, providing a perfect escape for solitude seekers.
  • They explored an uninhabited region in the Arctic.

Examples of usage

  • The unsettled wilderness was home to many wild animals.
  • They decided to explore the unsettled territory despite the risks.
Context #3 | Verb

finance

To make a payment or deal with a financial obligation

Synonyms

clear, pay off, resolve.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unsettled

Use 'unsettled' when describing a situation or feeling that is uncertain, unstable, or unresolved. It often implies a state of anxiety or unease.

  • The negotiations left many questions unsettled.
  • His mind was unsettled by the recent changes.
pay off

Use 'pay off' to describe the act of returning borrowed money or when an effort results in a successful outcome. This phrase is often used in financial or effort-related contexts.

  • It took years, but they finally managed to pay off their mortgage.
  • All his hard work really paid off when he won the competition.
clear

Use 'clear' when describing something that is free from confusion, ambiguity, or obstruction. It implies that things are understandable or visible.

  • The instructions were very clear and easy to follow.
  • After the rain, the sky became clear and blue.
resolve

Use 'resolve' when talking about finding a solution to a problem, conflict, or dispute. It implies bringing a matter to a satisfactory conclusion.

  • The committee met to resolve the remaining issues.
  • We need to resolve this misunderstanding before it escalates.

Examples of usage

  • He needed to settle his debts before he could move on.
  • The company settled the outstanding invoices with the suppliers.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'unsettled' comes from the prefix 'un-' meaning not, combined with 'settled,' which means calm or stable.
  • It originally referred to a state of being not arranged or established, emphasizing a lack of stability.
  • The term has been used in English since the late 1400s, reflecting human emotions related to uncertainty.

Psychology

  • Feelings of being unsettled can stem from anxiety or past traumas, affecting mental health.
  • Research shows that environments perceived as unpredictable can induce feelings of being unsettled.
  • When facing transitions (like moving to a new school), many people experience a sense of being unsettled.

Pop Culture

  • The term is often used in songs and literature to express themes of doubt and confusion in relationships.
  • Movies frequently portray characters as 'unsettled' during moments of conflict or major life changes.
  • Television shows use this concept to build tension, especially when a character faces significant uncertainty.

Literature

  • Many authors explore themes of being unsettled to highlight characters’ internal struggles and conflicts.
  • Classic literature often depicts protagonists who feel unsettled during personal growth or societal change.
  • In poetry, feelings of being unsettled are used to convey deep emotional experiences and turmoil.

Science

  • In physics, an 'unsettled' state in systems can refer to unstable equilibrium, where small changes can lead to significant effects.
  • Ecologists study how 'unsettled' environments, like after natural disasters, affect ecosystems and species recovery.
  • Astronomy may describe a planet's orbit as 'unsettled' if it experiences unpredictable gravitational influences.

Translations

Translations of the word "unsettled" in other languages:

🇵🇹 inquieto

🇮🇳 अशांत

🇩🇪 unruhig

🇮🇩 gelisah

🇺🇦 неспокійний

🇵🇱 niespokojny

🇯🇵 不安定な (fuan'na)

🇫🇷 inquiet

🇪🇸 inquieto

🇹🇷 huzursuz

🇰🇷 불안한 (bulanhan)

🇸🇦 قلق

🇨🇿 neklidný

🇸🇰 nepokojný

🇨🇳 不安定的 (bù ān dìng de)

🇸🇮 nemiren

🇮🇸 ókyrr

🇰🇿 мазасыз

🇬🇪 შფოთიანი

🇦🇿 narahat

🇲🇽 inquieto

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,315, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.