Malaise: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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 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 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.