ENGLISH
REFERENCE

troubling

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈtɹəbəɫɪŋ// UK //tɹˈʌblɪŋ// trou·bling

adj. causing you to feel worried, anxious, or uncomfortable. You use this to describe a situation or news that makes you think something is wrong.

adj. causing distress, anxiety, or concern. Often used to describe social trends, reports, or behaviors that suggest a negative outcome.


SIMPLE

The doctor found some troubling symptoms during the checkup.

CONTEXTUAL

The recent increase in local crime rates is a troubling development for the neighborhood.

COMPLEX

The report highlighted several troubling inconsistencies in the witness's testimony, leading the jury to question the overall credibility of the prosecution's case.

Synonyms
Usage

Often appears after linking verbs like 'seem', 'look', or 'become', or directly before a noun.

© 2026 English Reference