What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
disorientating
Example
The maze was disorientating and made me feel lost. [disorientating: adjective]
Example
The sudden change in altitude was disorientating for the passengers. [disorientating: present participle]
unsettling
Example
The news of the robbery was unsettling for the residents. [unsettling: adjective]
Example
The strange noises coming from the attic were unsettling. [unsettling: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Unsettling is more commonly used than disorientating in everyday language. Unsettling is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while disorientating is less common and refers to a specific type of negative experience.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between disorientating and unsettling?
Both disorientating and unsettling are typically associated with an informal tone, but can be used in formal contexts depending on the situation and audience.
