Upsetting: meaning, definitions and examples

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upsetting

 

[ ˌʌpˈsɛtɪŋ ]

Adjective / Verb
Context #1 | Adjective

in a negative way

Causing someone to feel unhappy, disappointed, or worried.

Synonyms

disconcerting, distressing, disturbing, troubling, unsettling

Examples of usage

  • It was an upsetting experience for her.
  • His comments were very upsetting to the audience.
  • The news of the accident was extremely upsetting.
  • She found the movie's ending very upsetting.
  • The upsetting news spread quickly through the community.
Context #2 | Verb

to cause distress or worry

To make someone feel unhappy, disappointed, or worried.

Synonyms

agitate, distress, disturb, perturb, worry

Examples of usage

  • The unexpected announcement upset the whole team.
  • She was upset by the harsh criticism.
  • Don't let their words upset you.
  • His behavior really upsets me.
  • The news of the tragedy upset everyone who heard it.

Translations

Translations of the word "upsetting" in other languages:

🇵🇹 perturbador

🇮🇳 परेशान करने वाला

🇩🇪 aufregend

🇮🇩 mengganggu

🇺🇦 засмучуючий

🇵🇱 przygnębiający

🇯🇵 動揺させる

🇫🇷 bouleversant

🇪🇸 perturbador

🇹🇷 rahatsız edici

🇰🇷 불쾌한

🇸🇦 مزعج

🇨🇿 znepokojující

🇸🇰 znepokojujúci

🇨🇳 令人不安的

🇸🇮 vznemirjajoč

🇮🇸 truflandi

🇰🇿 мазасыздандыратын

🇬🇪 შემაშფოთებელი

🇦🇿 narahat edici

🇲🇽 perturbador

Word origin

The word 'upsetting' comes from the verb 'upset', which has been in use since the 14th century. The original meaning of 'upset' was to tip over or turn upside down. Over time, the word evolved to also mean to disturb or disquiet. The adjective form 'upsetting' emerged later, around the 19th century, to describe something that causes distress or worry.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,212, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.