Word
disturbing
Phoneticsdis·turb·ing, stress on the second syllable
US/dɪˈstɝbɪŋ/
UK/dɪstˈɜːbɪŋ/
Definitions
01upsetting or worrying
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. making you feel worried, shocked, or upset.
adj. causing distress, anxiety, or psychological discomfort; unsettling in nature.
“The news report showed some disturbing images of the forest fire.”
“The documentary revealed a disturbing trend of rising sea levels that could threaten coastal cities within the next decade.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
02interrupting or bothering
B1 · Intermediate
v. the action of interrupting someone or moving something that should be left alone.
v. the present participle of 'disturb', referring to the act of interrupting rest, privacy, or settled conditions.
“I hope I am not disturbing you while you are trying to work.”
“By disturbing the ancient soil layers, the construction crew inadvertently destroyed several fragile archaeological remains before the site could be surveyed.”
Usage
Often used in the phrase 'sorry for disturbing you'.
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “disturbing” in context.
Verb
01. find the news disturbing
“Many residents found the news disturbing and demanded an immediate explanation from the mayor.”
verb + noun + adj
Adjective
02. disturbing development
“The sudden increase in cyberattacks is a disturbing development for national security experts.”
adj + noun
03. disturbing image
“The news report contained a disturbing image that stayed in my mind for days.”
adj + noun
04. disturbing trend
“Economists have noted a disturbing trend of rising inequality in developed nations over the last decade.”
adj + noun
Adverb
05. deeply disturbing
“The documentary revealed some deeply disturbing facts about the fashion industry's impact on the environment.”
adv + adj
06. profoundly disturbing
“Witnessing the aftermath of the natural disaster was a profoundly disturbing experience for the rescue workers.”
adv + adj
Real-World Examples
“The death of any child is particularly harrowing, but a child’s death at the hands of a parent is incredibly disturbing.” “He said: "Given Dahlia-Rose's very young age, and the horrifying way that she died, this is a uniquely disturbing and distressing case.” “It’s all relative, mind you: this is still a set in which, at one unexpected moment, our comedian turns down the lights, turns up some disturbing industrial soundscape, and jerks threateningly across the stage.” “We are left with a poignant coda of post-trauma, and a disturbing sense that this is merely part of an unending, generational cycle.” Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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