Discomfort: meaning, definitions and examples

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discomfort

[dɪsˈkʌmfət ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

feeling

Discomfort is a feeling of unease or mild pain, either physically or emotionally. It can be caused by various factors such as illness, stress, or uncomfortable surroundings.

Synonyms

awkwardness, pain, uneasiness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
discomfort	General term for slight physical or emotional distress. Often used in medical or casual settings. She felt a slight discomfort in her back after sitting for too long. The stifling heat caused general discomfort among the audience.
uneasiness	Describes a feeling of anxiety or worry. Often used in situations involving uncertainty or fear. He felt a sense of uneasiness walking through the dark alley. There was an air of uneasiness among the staff after the announcement of budget cuts.
pain	Describes a more intense physical or emotional suffering. Typically used in medical, emotional, or extreme contexts. The athlete experienced sharp pain in his leg after the fall. The news of her passing brought immense pain to her family.
awkwardness	Used to describe socially uneasy or uncomfortable situations. Often involves a minor embarrassment. There was a sense of awkwardness in the room after he made an inappropriate joke. Her awkwardness around strangers is something she is working on.

Examples of usage

I felt a sense of discomfort in my stomach after eating the spicy food.
She experienced discomfort in her lower back after sitting for long hours at her desk.
The discomfort of loneliness can be overwhelming at times.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

situation

Discomfort can also refer to a situation where someone feels uneasy or out of place.

Synonyms

awkwardness, tension, unease.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
discomfort	Refers to a general feeling of physical or emotional unease or lack of comfort. Can be used in situations involving mild pain or inconvenience. He felt discomfort in his back after sitting for too long The small chair caused discomfort during the long meeting
awkwardness	Describes a feeling of embarrassment or social clumsiness in a situation. Used in social interactions where someone feels out of place or unsure. There was a moment of awkwardness when they both reached for the same glass She laughed to diffuse the awkwardness of forgetting his name
unease	Refers to a vague feeling of worry or anxiety, usually about something that might happen. It's a milder form of discomfort often linked to anticipation or uncertainty. She felt a sense of unease walking home alone at night His cryptic message left everyone in the room with a feeling of unease
tension	Implies a feeling of mental or emotional strain. Often used in circumstances where there is a conflict, stress, or anxiety between people or within oneself. The tension in the room was palpable after the argument They spoke politely, but there was noticeable tension between them

Examples of usage

There was a palpable discomfort in the room as they discussed the sensitive topic.
The discomfort of being the only stranger in a group of friends can be daunting.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from Old French, meaning 'uncomfortable' or 'unpleasant'.
It is formed by adding the prefix 'dis-' (indicating negation) to 'comfort', which originally means to strengthen or console.

Psychology

Discomfort can be a crucial part of personal growth, signaling situations that prompt change or self-improvement.
People often try to avoid discomfort because it’s linked to stress or anxiety, which can impact mental health.

Literature

In many narratives, discomfort is used as a tool that forces characters to confront their fears and evolve.
Authors often describe discomfort vividly to immerse readers in a character's emotional struggle.

Health

Physical discomfort can be a symptom of many health conditions, alerting the body to potential issues.
Recognizing emotional discomfort is essential for mental health, as it often leads to healing once addressed.

Culture

Various cultures have different thresholds for discomfort based on societal norms and practices.
Art often explores themes of discomfort, pushing boundaries to challenge audiences and provoke thought.

Translations

Translations of the word "discomfort" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desconforto

🇮🇳 असुविधा

🇩🇪 Unbehagen

🇮🇩 ketidaknyamanan

🇺🇦 дискомфорт

🇵🇱 dyskomfort

🇯🇵 不快感 (fukaikan)

🇫🇷 inconfort

🇪🇸 incomodidad

🇹🇷 rahatsızlık

🇰🇷 불편함 (bulpyeonham)

🇸🇦 انزعاج

🇨🇿 nepohodlí

🇸🇰 nepohodlie

🇨🇳 不适 (bùshì)

🇸🇮 nelagodje

🇮🇸 óþægindi

🇰🇿 ыңғайсыздық

🇬🇪 დისკომფორტი

🇦🇿 narahatlıq

🇲🇽 incomodidad

Word Frequency Rank

Position #7,993 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

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7990 fruitful
7991 rented
7992 muttered
7993 discomfort
7994 archives
7995 occupancy
7996 plural
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