Search Dictionary
Definition of unsettle

unsettle

/ʌnˈsɛt.əl/
un · set · tle
Adverb:unsettlingly
•
Adjective:unsettled
•
Past Simple:unsettled
•
Past Participle:unsettled
•
Present Participle:unsettling
JUMP TO:

unsettle Lexical Profile

unsettle Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To cause someone to feel anxious, uneasy, or emotionally disturbed.

Example

"The sudden change in leadership began to unsettle the employees across the department."

2

To disrupt the established order, stability, or certainty of something; to make unstable.

Example

"Rising inflation and supply chain delays threatened to unsettle the global housing market."

3

To cause the stomach or digestion to become mildly nauseous or indisposed.

Example

"Drinking strong coffee on an empty stomach tends to unsettle my digestion."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for unsettle
Antonyms
View all antonyms for unsettle

• Rhymes for unsettle

• Nearby Words

unserviceable
unserviced
unset
unsettle
unsettled
unsettlement
unsettling

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in Middle English from the reversative prefix un- and the verb settle, which derives from Old English setlan ('to place or fix in position').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Unsettle. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/unsettle
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.