The noun “unease” refers to a feeling of discomfort, worry, or anxiety, often in response to an uncertain or unsettling situation. It describes a state of mental or emotional discomfort, where an individual may feel uneasy, uncertain, or apprehensive about something, but without necessarily being overwhelmed by fear or panic. Unease can be subtle or mild, yet it signals that something is wrong, off, or not entirely right, even if the cause of the discomfort isn’t immediately clear. It can manifest in various contexts, ranging from social situations to personal decisions or broader life concerns.
Example Sentences
- There was a palpable sense of unease in the room after the unexpected announcement.
- She felt a growing unease as the deadline approached, uncertain about whether her work would be ready.
- The unease in his voice was evident when he discussed the possible changes at the company.
- I couldn’t shake the feeling of unease after hearing the strange noises outside my window.
- The sudden silence caused a wave of unease among the group, unsure of how to proceed.
- He tried to hide his unease during the interview, but his nervousness was evident.
- The increase in crime in the area led to a general sense of unease among the residents.
- There was a slight unease about the decision, but everyone went along with it.
- His unease grew as he waited for the test results, anxiously anticipating what they might reveal.
- Despite her calm exterior, there was an underlying unease that she couldn’t ignore.
Synonyms
- Anxiety
- Worry
- Discomfort
- Nervousness
- Apprehension
- Uneasiness
- Restlessness
- Disturbance
- Concern
- Tension
Antonyms
- Ease
- Comfort
- Calm
- Relaxation
- Security
- Confidence
- Assurance
- Peace
- Serenity
- Reassurance
Related Words
- Anxiety
- Discomfort
- Apprehension
- Worry
- Nervousness
- Tension
- Restlessness
- Fretfulness
- Concern
- Agitation
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Feel uneasy: To experience unease, discomfort, or anxiety about something.
- Sit uneasy: To feel uncomfortable or restless about a situation.
- Be on edge: To feel tense or nervous, often due to unease about something.
- Make someone uneasy: To cause someone to feel discomfort, worry, or apprehension.
- Shudder at: To react with discomfort or unease, often in response to something unsettling.
Idiomatic Expressions
- A knot in one’s stomach: A physical sensation of unease, often from nervousness or anxiety.
- Feel like a fish out of water: To feel uncomfortable or out of place, leading to unease in a situation.
- On tenterhooks: To be in a state of nervous anticipation or unease, especially while waiting for something.
- Have butterflies in one’s stomach: To feel nervous or experience unease, especially in anticipation of an event.
- On edge: To be nervous or uneasy, often due to stress or anticipation.
The noun “unease” signifies a sense of discomfort, anxiety, or restlessness, usually experienced in situations that are uncertain or potentially unsettling. Its synonyms, like “anxiety,” “nervousness,” and “worry,” emphasize a mild form of distress, typically lacking the intensity of fear or panic. Antonyms such as “comfort,” “calm,” and “serenity” represent states where a person feels at ease and free from concern. The related phrasal verbs and idiomatic expressions highlight various ways unease can manifest, whether through physical sensations, emotional responses, or social discomfort. Whether subtle or more pronounced, unease signals an inner state of disquiet or apprehension, often related to the unknown or potential challenges ahead.
