Word
upsetting
Phoneticsup·set·ting, stress on the second syllable
US/əpˈsɛtɪŋ/
UK/ʌpsˈɛtɪŋ/
Definitions
01distressing
B1 · Intermediate
adj. making you feel sad, worried, or angry.
adj. causing emotional distress, agitation, or unhappiness.
“It was very upsetting to see the damage the storm caused to the garden.”
“The witness provided an upsetting account of the accident, detailing the events with a level of clarity that visibly moved the jury.”
Pitfall
I am very upsetting about the news.
The news is very upsetting.
Use 'upsetting' to describe the thing that causes the feeling. Use 'upset' to describe how you feel.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02a disturbance
C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Formal
n. the act of making something messy or out of order.
n. the act of overturning, disarranging, or disturbing a settled state or physical position.
“The sudden upsetting of the old government led to months of confusion.”
“The sudden upsetting of the ecological balance in the lake resulted in a rapid decline of native fish species over the following decade.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
- 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.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL 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: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/upsetting