Unsettling/ʌnˈsetlɪŋ/ Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Impact It refers to feelings of unease that may linger after an event or experience. The movie's ending had an unsettling effect on me. Pro Tip 2/3Negative Atmosphere Often used to describe situations or environments that make you feel uncomfortable. Walking alone at night, she found the silence unsettling. Pro Tip 3/3Subtle Anxiety The discomfort may not be overwhelming but can make you feel slightly off-balance. His evasive answers were unsettling to the interviewer.