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 of unsettled

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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.
Tuesday's Michigan Democratic Senate primary race remains unsettled, with progressive Abdul El-Sayed holding onto a narrow lead over moderate Haley Stevens with votes still being counted. — Joe Walsh, CBS News, 5 Aug. 2026 The weekend’s weather still looks unsettled with more chances for rain. — Kansas City Star, 4 Aug. 2026 Boston is likely to kick off the next week with heavy rains on Monday before a single bright spot Tuesday is followed by more potentially unsettled days close out the week, according to National Weather Service forecasts. — Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 2 Aug. 2026 As hundreds of exhausted migrants head back to Morocco and others vow to stay, residents describe a city upended by clashes, military deployments and a deeply unsettled border. — Sergio Rodrigo Ruíz, Los Angeles Times, 1 Aug. 2026 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 8 Aug. 2026.

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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

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