unsettled

Everyday

1. (of weather) Changing often, with rain and wind likely. tree →
2. Worried, nervous or not calm. tree →
3. Not yet decided or sorted out: an unsettled argument. tree →
4. (of a bill or debt) Not yet paid. tree →
5. (verb, past) Made someone feel worried: «The noise unsettled the dog.» tree →
6. Unsettled can also mean restless, always moving from place to place instead of staying in one home. tree →

In the lessons

In weather forecasts: «unsettled weather this week». In stories and PSHE: a child feels unsettled in a new school. In maths and money: an unsettled bill still needs paying.

Examples

• The forecast says the weather will be unsettled all weekend. tree →
• The new pupil felt unsettled on her first day. tree →
• The question of who would be captain was still unsettled. tree →
• The thunder unsettled the horses. tree →
• The bill of £20 was still unsettled. tree →
• Moving house can leave pets unsettled for a while. tree →
• "Yes, that is your misfortune," said the fence-rail; "you are so fickle, so unsettled; you must always be travelling about into foreign lands when the cold commences here. tree →

Note

Takes «an». Several senses: weather, feelings, decisions, bills. Opposite: settled. «Unsettling» means causing worry.