unsettled

adjective

un·​set·​tled ˌən-ˈse-tᵊld How to pronounce unsettled (audio)
Synonyms of unsettlednext
: not settled: such as
a(1)
: not calm or tranquil : disturbed
unsettled political conditions
(2)
: likely to vary widely especially in the near future : variable
unsettled weather
(3)
: not settled down
unsettled dust
b(1)
: not decided or determined : doubtful
an unsettled state of mind
(2)
: not resolved or worked out : undecided
an unsettled question
c
: characterized by irregularity
an unsettled life
d
: not inhabited or populated
unsettled land
e
: not mentally sound
f(1)
: not disposed of according to law
an unsettled estate
(2)
: not paid or discharged
unsettled debts
unsettledness
ˌən-ˈse-tᵊl(d)-nəs How to pronounce unsettled (audio)
noun

Synonyms

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of unsettled in a Sentence

We have some unsettled business to attend to. we've been having a lot of unsettled weather lately
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Moreover, inconsistent lighting temperatures can create unease, making customers feel unsettled without knowing quite why. — Bryant Richardson, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025 While some farmers feel unsettled, another said good business strategy and state funding could help make up the gaps. — Nora O’Neill, Charlotte Observer, 7 Apr. 2025 Consumer confidence is unsettled and companies are waiting to see how things shake out. — Sam Sweeney, ABC News, 11 Mar. 2025 The world has been addicted to caffeine for centuries, and in the year 2025 the scientific argument over whether coffee is good or bad for you remains unsettled. — Pete Cottell, Wired News, 2 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unsettled

Word History

First Known Use

1550, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unsettled was in 1550

Rhymes for unsettled

See All Rhymes for unsettled

Browse Nearby Words

unsettle
unsettled
unsettlement
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unsettled.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unsettled. Accessed 27 Apr. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

Kids Definition

unsettled

adjective
un·​set·​tled ˌən-ˈset-ᵊld How to pronounce unsettled (audio)
ˈən-
1
: not settled : not fixed (as in position or nature)
unsettled weather
2
: not calm : disturbed
unsettled waters
3
: not decided in mind : undetermined
unsettled about what to do
4
: not paid
an unsettled account
5
: not lived in by settlers
an unsettled region

More from Merriam-Webster on unsettled

Nglish: Translation of unsettled for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Words in Disguise: Do these seem familiar?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Every Letter Is Silent, Sometimes: A-Z List of Examples
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Flower Etymologies For Your Spring Garden

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments

10 Words from Taylor Swift Songs (Merriam's Version)

'Blue Moon,' 'Wolf Moon,' and Other Moons to Look for Throughout the Year

10 Scrabble Words Without Any Vowels
See More

Popular

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Flower Etymologies For Your Spring Garden

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Word Game Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
artwork of illustrated limes with the text limes and smile with an arrow connecting the two words
Quiz: Spot the Anagram! Scramble these words to find new words with the e...
See All