Malaise: meaning, definitions and examples

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malaise

[məˈleɪz ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

feeling of discomfort

A general feeling of discomfort, illness, or uneasiness whose exact cause is difficult to identify.

Synonyms

discomfort, indisposition, malady, uneasiness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
malaise	Used to describe a general feeling of discomfort or unease, often relating to an unclear or generalized illness or cause. It doesn't necessarily indicate a specific sickness. She has been experiencing a sense of malaise and fatigue lately. There is a growing malaise in the community about the economic situation.
discomfort	Used to describe a slight pain or physical uneasiness. It can also refer to a sense of unease in a social or emotional context. He felt discomfort in his lower back after sitting for too long. She experienced discomfort during the awkward silence.
uneasiness	Refers to a feeling of anxiety or discomfort, often linked to worry or uncertainty about a situation. It has a broader use, both physically and emotionally. There was a sense of uneasiness in the room after the controversial announcement. She couldn't shake off the uneasiness she felt about the trip.
indisposition	Often used to describe a minor illness or temporary unwillingness to engage in activities. It may sound more formal and less severe. Due to a slight indisposition, she will not be attending the meeting today. He excused himself from work citing an indisposition.
malady	Describes a serious illness or ailment, often used in a more formal or literary context. It indicates a significant health issue. The doctor diagnosed her with a chronic malady. They are seeking a cure for the malady that has affected the entire community.

Examples of usage

I woke up with a sense of malaise that I couldn't shake off.
She couldn't concentrate at work due to the persistent malaise she felt.
The malaise in the air was palpable, affecting everyone in the room.
The malaise spread through the community, leaving everyone feeling drained.
The doctor diagnosed her with a case of unexplained malaise.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

society or economy

A general feeling of unease or stagnation within a society or economy.

Synonyms

discontent, sluggishness, stagnation, unrest.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
malaise	Malaise is often used to describe a general feeling of discomfort, unease, or illness without a specific cause. It can be physical or emotional. There was a sense of malaise in the room after the bad news. She felt a general malaise but couldn't pinpoint what was wrong.
stagnation	Stagnation is used to describe a situation where there is no activity, growth, or development, often in an economic or professional context. The company's stagnation in the market is alarming to the investors. There has been a period of stagnation in the industry, with no significant innovations.
sluggishness	Sluggishness refers to a lack of energy or activity. It can describe physical lethargy or a slow-moving process. After the heavy meal, he felt a sense of sluggishness. Economic sluggishness has been a major concern for the country over the past year.
unrest	Unrest is commonly used to describe a state of dissatisfaction and disturbance among a group of people, often leading to protests or conflicts. The political unrest in the region has led to numerous demonstrations. There is growing unrest among the students due to the new university policies.
discontent	Discontent is used when people are unhappy with their current situation or conditions, particularly in a social or political context. The workers expressed their discontent with the new management policies. There was widespread discontent among the citizens regarding the government's decisions.

Examples of usage

The country was in a state of malaise, with high unemployment and low morale.
There was a sense of malaise in the company, leading to decreased productivity.
The government's inability to address key issues only added to the prevailing malaise.
The economic malaise was evident in the lack of consumer confidence.
The political malaise was affecting voter turnout in the upcoming elections.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

'Malaise' comes from the French words 'mal' meaning 'bad' and 'aise' meaning 'ease', together implying a state of discomfort.
The term began appearing in English texts during the 19th century to describe feelings of unease or discomfort that were hard to define.
Its usage expanded from medicine to describe a broader sense of dissatisfaction or discontent in social contexts.

Psychology

Malaise can be related to mental health issues like anxiety or depression, where individuals feel an overall lack of motivation or energy.
This feeling can often be a signal of burnout—a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress.
Research indicates that malaise may not only be psychological but can also be linked to physical health conditions.

Social Context

In literature, malaise often reflects a society's disillusionment or unrest, capturing the mood of an era or cultural moment.
Malaise is sometimes used in reference to political climates, indicating a sense of discomfort or dissatisfaction among the populace.
The term was notably used by French President François Mitterrand in the 1980s to describe the social and economic discontent in France.

Literature

Classic literature often portrays malaise as an emotional state that characters must navigate, influencing their decisions and relationships.
Authors like F. Scott Fitzgerald used malaise in their works to express the emptiness behind the glamour of the Roaring Twenties.
Malaise can represent the existential crises faced by protagonists in modern novels, exploring deeper themes of identity and meaning.

Art

The concept of malaise has been depicted in visual arts, often representing disconnection and unease through abstract forms and muted colors.
Many contemporary artists create works focusing on feelings of malaise, challenging viewers to reflect on their own emotional states.
Malaise has influenced modern photography, where images capture stillness and the unspoken discomfort of everyday life.

Translations

Translations of the word "malaise" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mal-estar

🇮🇳 अस्वस्थता

🇩🇪 Unwohlsein

🇮🇩 malaise

🇺🇦 нездужання

🇵🇱 złe samopoczucie

🇯🇵 倦怠感 (けんたいかん)

🇫🇷 malaise

🇪🇸 malestar

🇹🇷 rahatsızlık

🇰🇷 불쾌감 (bulgwegam)

🇸🇦 شعور بالضيق

🇨🇿 nevolnost

🇸🇰 nevoľnosť

🇨🇳 不适 (bù shì)

🇸🇮 slabo počutje

🇮🇸 vanlíðan

🇰🇿 жағымсыздық

🇬🇪 დაუფლებლობა (dauflebloba)

🇦🇿 narahatlıq

🇲🇽 malestar

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,721, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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17718 bracelet
17719 exhaled
17720 byproduct
17721 malaise
17722 turbid
17723 quickest
17724 resistive
...