English Reference
adjective · verb

disturbing

adj. · v.
US /dɪˈstɝbɪŋ/ UK /dɪstˈɜːbɪŋ/ dis·turb·ing

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.making you feel worried, shocked, or upset.

    adj.causing distress, anxiety, or psychological discomfort; unsettling in nature.

    Simple

    The news report showed some disturbing images of the forest fire.

    In context

    The documentary revealed a disturbing trend of rising sea levels that could threaten coastal cities within the next decade.

  2. 02 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.

    Simple

    I hope I am not disturbing you while you are trying to work.

    In context

    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'.

The death of any child is particularly harrowing, but a child’s death at the hands of a parent is incredibly disturbing.

BreakingNews.ie· 14 Aug 2026

He said: "Given Dahlia-Rose's very young age, and the horrifying way that she died, this is a uniquely disturbing and distressing case.

BBC News· 14 Aug 2026
This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Common
Updated