Uncomfortable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
😬
uncomfortable
[ˌʌnˈkʌmfərtəbl ]
Definitions
feeling
Causing or feeling slight pain or physical discomfort; producing a feeling of unease or awkwardness.
Synonyms
awkward, awkward, painful, uneasy, uneasy.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
uncomfortable |
When something causes physical or emotional discomfort, such as sitting on a hard chair or being in a tense situation.
|
awkward |
When a situation is socially embarrassing or clumsy, such as meeting someone you don't know at a party.
|
painful |
When something causes physical pain or emotional hurt, such as an injury or a difficult breakup.
|
uneasy |
When someone feels nervous or worried about a situation or future event, often with no clear reason.
|
Examples of usage
- It was uncomfortable sitting on the hard wooden chair for hours.
- She felt uncomfortable discussing her personal problems with strangers.
- The tight dress was uncomfortable to wear all day.
- I feel uncomfortable in large crowds.
- The silence between them was uncomfortable.
social situation
Causing or feeling embarrassment or unease; not feeling relaxed or at ease in a particular situation.
Synonyms
awkward, embarrassing, embarrassing, tense, uneasy.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
uncomfortable |
Used when someone is experiencing physical or emotional discomfort.
|
embarrassing |
Used when a situation causes someone to feel ashamed or self-conscious.
|
awkward |
Used when a situation or interaction lacks grace or smoothness, often causing discomfort.
|
uneasy |
Used when someone feels worried or anxious because they sense something is wrong or unfamiliar.
|
tense |
Used when a situation or atmosphere is filled with stress or anxiety.
|
Examples of usage
- The atmosphere at the party was uncomfortable for introverts.
- He found it uncomfortable to be the center of attention.
- She avoided the uncomfortable topic during the meeting.
- His inappropriate joke made everyone uncomfortable.
- I felt uncomfortable in the formal setting.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Feeling uncomfortable can trigger a stress response, activating the body's fight-or-flight system.
- Discomfort often prompts personal growth, as it can encourage people to face challenges and develop resilience.
- Research shows that social discomfort can improve collaboration by making group members more considerate of each other's feelings.
Cultural Context
- Different cultures have unique thresholds for discomfort, affecting how emotions are expressed and managed in public settings.
- In many cultures, discussing uncomfortable topics openly is seen as taboo, which can prevent meaningful conversations.
- Comedy is often used as a tool to address uncomfortable subjects, using humor to relieve tension and facilitate dialogue.
Social Dynamics
- Saying 'no' can often make people feel uncomfortable, even resulting in fear of disappointing others.
- Being in a new or unexpected social situation tends to create discomfort, as it challenges familiar routines and relationships.
- People often navigate uncomfortable conversations by using active listening techniques to ensure understanding and empathy.
Education
- Educators aim to create a safe space to reduce discomfort in learning environments, which helps foster open discussions.
- Students often experience discomfort when challenged with new ideas or concepts, which is a normal part of the learning process.
- Understanding the source of discomfort can be a valuable lesson in emotional intelligence, helping individuals manage their feelings better.
Origin of 'uncomfortable'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the prefix 'un-', which means 'not', combined with 'comfortable', indicating the opposite of comfort.
- It first appeared in the English language around the late 15th century, reflecting physical discomfort initially.
- The word has evolved to include emotional and social discomfort over time, reflecting changes in society.
The word 'uncomfortable' originated in the late 16th century from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and 'comfortable'. It has evolved over time to describe situations or feelings that cause unease or awkwardness. The concept of discomfort has been part of human experience for centuries, with various cultures developing different ways to express this feeling linguistically.
See also: comfort, comfortable, comfortably, comforted, comforter, comforting, comfy, discomfort, discomforting, uncomfortably.
Word Frequency Rank
At #6,948 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.
- ...
- 6945 thyroid
- 6946 autonomous
- 6947 pleading
- 6948 uncomfortable
- 6949 epidemic
- 6950 flock
- 6951 incredible
- ...