Disconcerting and disconcerning are two words that are often used interchangeably, but they have different meanings. In this article, we will explore the differences between these two words and provide examples of how they are used in context. So, which of the two is the proper word to use? Disconcerting is the correct word to use when you want to describe something that causes anxiety, confusion, or unease. On the other hand, disconcerning is not a word that exists in the English language.
To be more specific, disconcerting means causing one to feel unsettled or uncomfortable. It is often used to describe situations, events, or behaviors that are unexpected or confusing. For example, if you were to hear that your favorite restaurant was closing down, you might feel disconcerted. Disconcerting can also be used to describe a person’s behavior, such as when someone acts in a way that is unsettling or confusing.
As mentioned earlier, disconcerning is not a word that exists in the English language. Some people may use this word mistakenly, thinking that it means the same thing as disconcerting. However, it is important to note that disconcerning is not a word that you should use in your writing or speech.
Now that we have a better understanding of the differences between disconcerting and disconcerning, let’s explore some examples of how these words are used in context.
Define Disconcerting
Disconcerting is an adjective that describes something that causes feelings of unease, confusion, or discomfort. It can refer to a situation, event, or behavior that throws someone off balance or disrupts their sense of normalcy. Disconcerting situations can be unexpected or unpredictable, leaving people feeling unsettled or anxious.
For example, receiving criticism from a usually supportive colleague can be disconcerting, as can encountering a sudden change in plans or having a conversation with someone who speaks in a confusing or contradictory manner. Disconcerting situations can be temporary or ongoing, and they can be caused by a variety of factors, including social dynamics, personal insecurities, and external circumstances.
Define Disconcerning
Disconcerning is not a recognized word in the English language. It is likely a misspelling or a confusion with the word disconcerting. It is important to use the correct word in order to convey the intended meaning and avoid confusion or misunderstandings.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Choosing the right word to express your thoughts and ideas is crucial in conveying your message effectively. Two words that are often confused are disconcerting and disconcerning. Although they sound similar, they have different meanings and are used in different contexts. In this section, we will discuss how to use these words in a sentence properly.
How To Use Disconcerting In A Sentence
The word disconcerting is an adjective that describes something that causes a feeling of unease, confusion, or discomfort. It can also mean something that is unexpected or surprising. Here are some examples of how to use disconcerting in a sentence:
- It was disconcerting to see the normally calm and collected CEO lose his temper during the meeting.
- The sudden change in the weather was disconcerting for the hikers who were not prepared for it.
- The fact that he knew so much about her was disconcerting and made her feel uneasy.
As you can see, disconcerting is often used to describe situations or events that make people feel uncomfortable or uneasy. It can also be used to describe behavior or actions that are unexpected or surprising.
How To Use Disconcerning In A Sentence
The word disconcerning is not a commonly used word in the English language. In fact, it is often considered a misspelling of disconcerting. However, some sources suggest that disconcerning can be used to describe something that is not of concern or something that is not worth worrying about. Here are some examples of how to use disconcerning in a sentence:
- The minor issues with the product were disconcerning and did not affect its overall performance.
- His lack of interest in the project was disconcerning, but we were able to complete it without his help.
- The fact that she did not show up for the meeting was not disconcerning as we had already discussed everything with her beforehand.
It is important to note that the word disconcerning is not widely recognized as a proper word in the English language and may be considered incorrect or confusing by some readers. It is recommended to use disconcerting instead to avoid confusion or misunderstandings.
More Examples Of Disconcerting & Disconcerning Used In Sentences
In this section, we will provide more examples of how to use the words disconcerting and disconcerning in a sentence. These examples will help you to better understand the meanings of these words and how to use them in context.
Examples Of Using Disconcerting In A Sentence
- The disconcerting sound of the alarm clock woke me up.
- It was disconcerting to see how much weight he had lost.
- The disconcerting news of the plane crash shocked the nation.
- Her disconcerting behavior made everyone uncomfortable.
- It was disconcerting to hear that the project had been canceled.
- The disconcerting silence in the room made me uneasy.
- His disconcerting gaze made me feel like he knew all my secrets.
- It was disconcerting to see the dark clouds gathering on the horizon.
- The disconcerting feeling of being lost in a foreign city is all too familiar to me.
- Her disconcerting lack of empathy for others was a cause for concern.
Examples Of Using Disconcerning In A Sentence
- The disconcerning lack of evidence made it difficult to convict the suspect.
- His disconcerning behavior at the party made everyone uncomfortable.
- The disconcerning news of the company’s financial troubles was a shock to investors.
- It was disconcerning to see how little progress had been made on the project.
- The disconcerning lack of attention to detail in the report was a cause for concern.
- Her disconcerning lack of interest in the project was a red flag for the team.
- It was disconcerning to hear that the company had lost its biggest client.
- The disconcerning trend of rising crime rates in the city was a cause for alarm.
- His disconcerning lack of preparation for the presentation was evident to everyone in the room.
- The disconcerning lack of communication between the team members was hindering progress.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to the English language, there are many words that sound similar but have vastly different meanings. Two such words are disconcerting and disconcerning. Unfortunately, many people use these words interchangeably, which can lead to confusion and misunderstandings. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using these words:
Mistake #1: Using “Disconcerning” Instead Of “Disconcerting”
One of the most common mistakes people make is using “disconcerning” instead of “disconcerting.” While these words may sound similar, they have completely different meanings. Disconcerting means causing someone to feel uneasy or unsettled, while disconcerning is not a word at all.
To avoid making this mistake, it’s important to remember that “disconcerning” is not a word. If you want to convey the idea of something not causing concern, you could use the word “unconcerning” instead.
Mistake #2: Using “Disconcerting” To Mean “Disappointing”
Another common mistake is using “disconcerting” to mean “disappointing.” While these words may seem interchangeable, they actually have very different meanings. Disconcerting means causing someone to feel uneasy or unsettled, while disappointing means failing to meet expectations or hopes.
To avoid making this mistake, it’s important to remember that “disconcerting” and “disappointing” are not interchangeable. If you want to express disappointment, use the word “disappointing” instead.
Mistake #3: Using “Disconcerning” To Mean “Not Concerning”
As we mentioned earlier, “disconcerning” is not a word. However, some people use it to mean “not concerning.” This is another common mistake that can lead to confusion and misunderstandings.
To avoid making this mistake, it’s important to remember that “disconcerning” is not a word. If you want to express the idea of something not being a cause for concern, you could use the word “unconcerning” instead.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that you are using these words correctly and effectively. Remember, using the wrong word can change the entire meaning of a sentence, so it’s important to choose your words carefully.
Context Matters
Choosing between disconcerting and disconcerning can depend on the context in which they are used. While both words are often used to describe something that causes unease or discomfort, they have different connotations and implications.
Different Contexts And Examples
The following are examples of different contexts and how the choice between disconcerting and disconcerning might change:
| Context | Example | Preferred Word |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Relationships | Your partner not showing interest in your life | Disconcerning |
| Your partner sharing intimate details about your relationship with others | Disconcerting | |
| Healthcare | A patient’s test results are abnormal | Disconcerting |
| A doctor not showing concern for a patient’s symptoms | Disconcerning | |
| Business | A company’s financial statements show a loss | Disconcerting |
| A company’s lack of response to customer complaints | Disconcerning |
In personal relationships, disconcerning might be used to describe a partner’s lack of interest or concern for the other person’s life or well-being. On the other hand, disconcerting might be used to describe a partner sharing intimate details about their relationship with others, causing discomfort and unease.
In healthcare, disconcerting might be used to describe abnormal test results or a doctor’s unexpected diagnosis. Disconcerning might be used to describe a doctor’s lack of concern for a patient’s symptoms or complaints.
In business, disconcerting might be used to describe a company’s financial statements showing a loss or unexpected decline. Disconcerning might be used to describe a company’s lack of response to customer complaints or concerns.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the usage of disconcerting and disconcerning follows a general set of rules, there are certain exceptions where these rules might not apply. Below are some explanations and examples for each case:
1. Regional Differences
It is worth noting that the rules for using disconcerting and disconcerning may vary depending on the region. For instance, in British English, disconcerning is not a recognized word. Therefore, if you are writing for a British audience, it is best to avoid using disconcerning altogether.
2. Contextual Usage
Another exception to the rules is the contextual usage of the words. In some cases, disconcerting and disconcerning can be used interchangeably, depending on the context of the sentence. For example:
- “The disconcerting news left me feeling uneasy.”
- “The disconcerning news left me feeling uneasy.”
In the above sentences, both words can be used to convey the same meaning. However, disconcerting is the more commonly used word in this context.
3. Technical Jargon
In technical jargon, disconcerting and disconcerning can have specific meanings that do not follow the general rules. For example, in aviation, disconcerting refers to a situation where a pilot loses control of an aircraft due to external factors. On the other hand, disconcerning refers to a situation where a pilot loses control of an aircraft due to internal factors such as fatigue or distraction.
Therefore, when using these words in technical contexts, it is important to be aware of their specific meanings and use them accordingly.
Practice Exercises
To improve your understanding and use of disconcerting and disconcerning in sentences, here are some practice exercises:
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
Fill in the blank with either disconcerting or disconcerning:
- The news about the pandemic was ___________.
- The loud noise from the construction site was ___________.
- The lack of response from the company was ___________.
- Her behavior at the party was ___________.
- The teacher’s comments were ___________.
Answer Key:
- disconcerting
- disconcerting
- disconcerning
- disconcerting
- disconcerting
Exercise 2: Choose The Correct Word
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence:
- The ___________ news left everyone feeling uneasy.
- The ___________ of the employees was apparent in their lack of motivation.
- The new policy was ___________ to many of the staff members.
- The ___________ behavior of the customer caused a disturbance in the store.
- The ___________ of the situation was not immediately clear.
Answer Key:
- disconcerting
- disconcernment
- disconcerting
- disconcerning
- disconcerting
By practicing these exercises, you can become more confident in using disconcerting and disconcerning in your writing and speech.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the difference between disconcerting and disconcerning is subtle yet significant. Understanding the meanings of these two words can help you communicate more effectively and avoid confusion in your writing.
Here are some key takeaways from this article:
Disconcerting Vs Disconcerning
| Disconcerting | Disconcerning |
|---|---|
| Causes anxiety or unease | Shows a lack of concern or interest |
| Describes a situation or event | Describes a person’s attitude or behavior |
| Commonly used in formal writing | Less common and informal |
Remember to always double-check your spelling and word usage, especially when it comes to words that sound similar or have similar meanings. By continuing to learn about grammar and language use, you can improve your writing skills and communicate more effectively.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.