troubling

adjective

trou·​bling ˈtrə-b(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce troubling (audio)
Synonyms of troublingnext
: causing feelings of worry or anxiety
a troubling news report
It's not just trauma survivors who may be distracted or derailed by shocking or troubling material …Angus Johnston
troublingly adverb

Examples of troubling in a Sentence

the most troubling sign of all is that he's stopped returning my phone calls
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But his mysterious and troubling death would come to eclipse his accomplishments as a screen star. Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 25 May 2026 At the Children’s Pool, conditions are equally troubling. Letters To The Editor, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 May 2026 The Adequate and Equitable Public University Funding Formula (HB1581) could help reverse these troubling trends by increasing support for public universities, making higher education more accessible for students of all backgrounds — not just those who have more resources. Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2026 There’s a troubling pattern that recurs for mid-career leaders who repeatedly hit ceilings and dead ends in their careers. Cynthia Pong, Forbes.com, 24 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for troubling

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of troubling was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Troubling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/troubling. Accessed 29 May. 2026.

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