# disturbing

/dɪˈstɝbɪŋ/ (US) · /dɪstˈɜːbɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/disturbing
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. upsetting or worrying

adjective · CEFR B2

making you feel worried, shocked, or upset.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. interrupting or bothering

verb · CEFR B1

the action of interrupting someone or moving something that should be left alone.

For teachers: 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'.

## Examples

- The news about the accident was very disturbing.
- The documentary contains disturbing footage of the war that some viewers might find difficult to watch.
- Psychologists noted a disturbing trend in the data suggesting that social isolation among adolescents had doubled within a single decade, regardless of socioeconomic status.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.