troubling

1 of 2

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

troubling

2 of 2

present participle of trouble entry 2

Synonyms of troubling

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Adjective

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Examples of troubling in a Sentence

Adjective the most troubling sign of all is that he's stopped returning my phone calls
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Adjective
Many are already witnessing AI acceleration and overreliance leading to troubling organizational outcomes, including ​AI-agents going rogue, a deterioration of quality and concerns about skills erosion. — Elisa Mallis, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026 What was also deeply troubling about the latest bout of violence — and authorities have admitted it — is that there were periods of time when parts of Paris and other cities were out of control. — Greg Palkot, FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2026 More troubling still is that their grasp on time, then their very consciousness, begins to break down. — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026 Still, however troubling our times and technology may be, there’s beauty to be found in art and the community that grows around it. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 19 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for troubling

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Rhymes for troubling

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Browse Nearby Words

trouble spot
troubling
troublingly
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Cite this Entry

“Troubling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/troubling. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

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