Unease Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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unease

[ŹŒnĖˆiĖz ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

feeling

Unease is a feeling of discomfort, nervousness, or anxiety. It is the state of being uneasy.

Synonyms

anxiety, discomfort, disquiet, nervousness.

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Word Description / Examples
unease

General feeling of discomfort or worry, not tied to a specific cause.

  • She felt a sense of unease as she walked through the dark alley.
  • There was an unease in the room after the argument.
discomfort

A mild to moderate feeling of physical or emotional unease, often related to physical causes or social situations.

  • The tight shoes caused him considerable discomfort.
  • She felt discomfort during the intense interview.
nervousness

A feeling of being slightly afraid or worried about a specific event, often temporary and related to anticipation.

  • He felt a wave of nervousness before his first public speech.
  • She tried to hide her nervousness before the important meeting.
anxiety

A strong feeling of worry or fear, often about a specific event or situation, more intense and often associated with mental health.

  • His anxiety about the upcoming exam kept him up all night.
  • She has been experiencing anxiety since starting her new job.
disquiet

A state of worry or unease, often linked to disturbed thoughts or a feeling that something is not right.

  • There was a sense of disquiet among the villagers after the news broke.
  • The sudden change in plans caused her some disquiet.

Examples of usage

  • I sensed an unease in the room as soon as I walked in.
  • The unease in her voice was evident, indicating that something was bothering her.
  • His unease grew as the deadline approached.
  • She tried to hide her unease behind a smile.
  • The unease in the air was palpable.

Translations

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Origin of 'unease'

The word 'unease' originated in the early 17th century from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the word 'ease'. It is related to the Middle English word 'uneses', which means discomfort or lack of ease. Over time, 'unease' has evolved to encompass a range of feelings of discomfort and anxiety.


See also: ease, easer, easing, easy.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,500, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.