adj
Uncommon
upsetting
Upsetting (adj) means causing distress or sadness. Example: “It was upsetting to watch the news coverage of the disaster.”
adj
1
Causing distress or sadness.
"It was upsetting to watch the news coverage of the disaster."
How to use upsetting
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething that makes people feel distressed or sad.
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Word forms
- Plural
- upsettings
- Comparative
- more upsetting
- Superlative
- most upsetting
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
It was _____ to watch the news coverage of the disaster.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for upsetting
petting
setting
wetting
getting
letting
betting
netting
vetting
abetting
fretting
resetting
forgetting
See all rhymes for upsetting →
Frequently asked questions
What does “upsetting” mean?
The word “upsetting” means causing distress or sadness. In plain terms, something that makes people feel distressed or sad.
How do you use “upsetting” in a sentence?
Here is “upsetting” used in a sentence: “It was upsetting to watch the news coverage of the disaster.”
What part of speech is “upsetting”?
“Upsetting” is an adjective.
Is “upsetting” a common word?
“Upsetting” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between upsetting and disturbing?
Upsetting focuses on causing emotional distress or sadness, often on a personal level, such as upsetting news about a friend. Disturbing carries a stronger connotation of unsettling or troubling someone, sometimes with an element of unease or alarm rather than pure sadness. Both describe negative emotional effects, but disturbing can suggest a more unsettling or shocking quality.
Is upsetting a stronger word than sad?
Upsetting describes something that actively causes distress in others, while sad describes an emotional state itself. Something can be upsetting without necessarily being described as sad, for instance a rude comment can be upsetting without being sad in tone.
Can upsetting be used in formal writing?
Yes, upsetting is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts, commonly appearing in news reports, medical advice, and everyday conversation to describe events or information that cause distress or sadness.
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