unsettled

IPA

Dictionary definition of unsettled

Uncertainty, instability, or unease.
"The financial market remained unsettled as investors reacted nervously to the economic news."

Detailed meaning of unsettled

It suggests a lack of resolution or clarity, often accompanied by a feeling of disquiet or restlessness. When something is unsettled, it has not been fully resolved, decided, or finalized, leaving room for doubts or unanswered questions. It can refer to a variety of situations, such as unresolved conflicts, ambiguous outcomes, or unsettled emotions. An unsettled mind may be plagued by anxiety or a sense of unrest, while an unsettled situation may be characterized by ongoing changes or unresolved issues. Overall, "unsettled" conveys a sense of discomfort or uneasiness in relation to the subject or context it describes.

Example sentences containing unsettled

1. The dark clouds and gusty winds created an unsettled atmosphere, hinting at an impending storm.
2. His unsettled demeanor betrayed the inner turmoil he was going through.
3. The unresolved conflict left a sense of unsettled tension in the room.
4. She couldn't shake off the feeling of being unsettled after watching the horror movie.
5. The sudden change in plans left him feeling unsettled and uncertain about what to do next.
6. The city was in an unsettled state following the recent political upheaval.

History and etymology of unsettled

The adjective 'unsettled' can be deconstructed into its root word, 'settled.' In this term, the prefix 'un-' is used to negate or reverse the quality of being 'settled.' 'Settled' originates from the Old English word 'setlan,' which means 'to place in a fixed or secure position' or 'to establish.' Over time, 'settled' evolved in the English language to describe something that is stable, secure, or established, often associated with a sense of certainty and comfort. Consequently, 'unsettled' signifies the opposite, denoting something characterized by uncertainty, instability, or unease, often implying a lack of security or a disruption of the established order. Its etymology is deeply rooted in the historical development of 'settled' and the use of 'un-' to convey the absence of stability or certainty.

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Further usage examples of unsettled

1. The unsettled weather made it difficult to plan outdoor activities.
2. The abandoned house had an eerie and unsettled aura that sent shivers down their spines.
3. The unresolved mystery continued to haunt her, keeping her mind unsettled.
4. Their relationship was in an unsettled state, with frequent arguments and disagreements.
5. The young child's bedtime routine was disrupted, leaving him feeling unsettled and unable to fall asleep.
6. Her unsettled mind couldn't find peace amid the chaos.
7. The unsettled weather made outdoor plans uncertain.
8. An unsettled feeling lingered after their heated argument.
9. The stock market's unsettled performance worried investors.
10. His unsettled future kept him awake at night.
11. The unsettled dust obscured our view of the road.
12. The unsettled political climate created tension in the country.
13. Her unsettled stomach led to a sleepless night.
14. The unsettled debate left no clear resolution in sight.
15. An unsettled atmosphere surrounded the haunted house.
16. The unsettled terrain made hiking challenging.
17. The unsettling news left everyone in a state of shock.
18. An unsettled mood hung over the office after the layoffs.
19. The unsettled relationship had its share of ups and downs.
20. An unsettled feeling of foreboding filled the air.
21. The unsettled situation required careful navigation.
22. The unsettled water made sailing risky.
23. An unsettled dispute divided the community.
24. The unsettled economy affected businesses across the board.
25. His unsettled past haunted him wherever he went.