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Definitions

upsetting

[uhp-set-ing] / ʌpˈsɛt ɪŋ /
ADJECTIVE
disturbing
Synonyms
STRONGEST
alarming annoying bothersome creepy depressing disconcerting discouraging disquieting disruptive distressing embarrassing frightening inconvenient irritating painful startling threatening tiresome troublesome troubling trying unpleasant vexing worrisome worrying
STRONG
aggravating agitating discommoding discomposing dismaying foreboding harassing impeding perplexing perturbing provoking unsettling
WEAK
burdensome consequential difficult disagreeable discomforting distressful gloomy hard intrusive irksome laborious ominous onerous pessimistic prophetic severe sinister toilsome troublous uncertain wearisome
Antonyms
STRONGEST
agreeable calming comforting convenient delightful easy encouraging facile good happy helpful nice pleasant pleasing settling soothing

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

This refers to a network of smaller private Chinese refineries that became the primary buyers of Iranian crude after China’s state-owned energy giants, wary of upsetting Washington, left the market.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

But Kosovo have developed a taste for upsetting the odds.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

Team Italy became an unlikely darling of the WBC, sweeping the opening round and upsetting the U.S. to become one of three undefeated teams.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 13, 2026

Like no one ever really cries and it’s not upsetting.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 10, 2026

“Yes, I know, very upsetting, that. But he’s her husband, isn’t he?”

From "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen