What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
haunting
Example
The haunting melody of the piano piece brought tears to her eyes. [haunting: adjective]
Example
The abandoned house had a haunting atmosphere that made it difficult to stay there for long. [haunting: adjective]
unsettling
Example
The news of the accident was unsettling and left everyone feeling uneasy. [unsettling: adjective]
Example
His sudden outburst was unsettling and made everyone in the room uncomfortable. [unsettling: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Unsettling is more commonly used than haunting in everyday language. Unsettling is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while haunting is less common and has a more poetic connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between haunting and unsettling?
Both haunting and unsettling can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but unsettling is more versatile and can be employed in a wider range of situations.
