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Definition of unsettled - 5 dictionary results
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un⋅set⋅tled

  [uhn-set-ld]
Use unsettled in a Sentence
–adjective
1. not settled; not fixed or stable; without established order; unorganized; disorganized: an unsettled social order; still unsettled in their new home.
2. continuously moving or changing; not situated in one place: an unsettled life.
3. wavering or uncertain, as in opinions or behavior; unstable; erratic: an unsettled state of mind.
4. not populated or settled, as a region: an unsettled wilderness.
5. undetermined, as a point at issue; undecided; doubtful: After many years the matter was still unsettled.
6. not adjusted, closed, or disposed of, as an account, estate, or law case.
7. liable to change; inconstant; variable: unsettled weather.
Origin:
1585–95; un- 1 + settle 1 + -ed 2

Related forms:
un⋅set⋅tled⋅ness, noun

Synonyms:
3. Unsettled, unstable, unsteady imply a lack of fixity, firmness, and dependability. That which is unsettled is not fixed or determined: unsettled weather; unsettled claims. That which is unstable is wavering, changeable; easily moved, shaken, or overthrown: unstable equilibrium; an unstable decision. That which is unsteady is infirm or shaky in position or movement: unsteady on one's feet; unsteady of purpose. 5. indeterminate, unsure. 7. vacillating, fickle, faltering, irresolute.

Antonyms:
1, 3. stable.
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un⋅set⋅tle

  [uhn-set-l] verb, -tled, -tling.
–verb (used with object)
1. to alter from a settled state; cause to be no longer firmly fixed or established; render unstable; disturb: Violence unsettled the government.
2. to shake or weaken (beliefs, feelings, etc.); cause doubt or uncertainty about: doubts unsettling his religious convictions.
3. to vex or agitate the mind or emotions of; upset; discompose: The quarrel unsettled her.
–verb (used without object)
4. to become unfixed or disordered.
Origin:
1535–45; un- 2 + settle 1

Synonyms:
2. upset, disturb, unbalance, confuse, disconcert.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To unsettled
un·set·tle   (ŭn-sět'l)   
v.   un·set·tled, un·set·tling, un·set·tles

v.   tr.

  1. To displace from a settled condition; disrupt.

  2. To make uneasy; disturb.

v.   intr.
To become unsettled.
un·set'tle·ment n., un·set'tling·ly adv.
un·set·tled   (ŭn-sět'ld)   
adj.  

  1. Not in a state of order or calmness; disturbed: these unsettled times.

  2. Likely to change or vary; variable: unsettled weather.

    1. Not determined or resolved: an unsettled issue.

    2. Uncertain or doubtful: were still unsettled with respect to their future plans.

  4. Not paid or adjusted; outstanding: an unsettled bill.

  5. Not populated; uninhabited: unsettled territory.

  6. Not fixed or established: an unsettled lifestyle.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

unsettle 
1598, "undo from a fixed position, from un- (2) + settle. Of the mind, feelings, etc., attested from 1644. Unsettled "not peaceful, not firmly established" is recorded from 1591. Meaning "not occupied by settlers" is attested from 1724.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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