unrest

noun

un·​rest ˌən-ˈrest 

: a disturbed, uneasy, or turbulent state : turmoil

The country has experienced years of civil/social/political unrest.

Synonyms of unrest

• turmoil

Examples of unrest in a Sentence

The country has experienced years of civil unrest.

unrest gripped the city as the people nervously awaited the expected bombardment

Recent Examples on the Web

Still, a currency collapse last year and high inflation triggered widespread unrest, and the regime slaughtered thousands in a brutal crackdown. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 6 Sep. 2026

The ambassador last month spoke out sharply after weeks of unrest in the town of Qusra, where settlers surrounded several homes including one owned by a Palestinian American. — ABC News, 5 Sep. 2026

The film’s Dhaka backdrop carries traces of the country’s July 2024 unrest, including scenes of women being surveilled and policed for their clothing and behavior, work that reaches the screen through Rikita Nondine Shimu’s character, Minoti. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026

What followed was at least one night of unrest in Minneapolis. — Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 3 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unrest

• abreast
• accessed
• addressed
• appressed
• armrest
• arrest
• assessed
• attest
• backrest
• behest
• bequest
• caressed

Kids Definition

unrest

noun

un·​rest ˌən-ˈrest 

ˈən-

: lack of rest : a disturbed or uneasy state : turmoil