What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
unsettle
Example
The news of the impending storm unsettled the residents of the coastal town. [unsettled: verb]
Example
The sudden change in plans unsettled her, and she felt anxious. [unsettled: adjective]
upset
Example
She was upset when she heard the news of her friend's accident. [upset: adjective]
Example
The spilled coffee upset the entire table, ruining their breakfast. [upset: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Upset is more commonly used than unsettle in everyday language. Upset is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while unsettle is less common and typically used in more formal or academic contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between unsettle and upset?
Unsettle is typically associated with a more formal or academic tone, while upset is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.
