troubling

adjective

trou·​bling ˈtrə-b(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce troubling (audio)
: 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 the obvious and troubling implication is that people who joined while Joe Biden was president are at greater risk of losing their job. Shane Harris, The Atlantic, 6 Feb. 2025 During the 1985 Christmas season, a coal merchant in an Irish village makes a troubling discovery. The California Independent Booksellers Alliance, Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2025 These rate hikes have far outpaced inflation, a troubling reality for a commodity as essential as gas and electricity. Tammy Bresnahan, Baltimore Sun, 4 Feb. 2025 However, the researchers say their findings are troubling nonetheless. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Feb. 2025 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

Dictionary Entries Near troubling

Cite this Entry

“Troubling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/troubling. Accessed 11 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on troubling

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!