unease

noun

un·​ease ˌən-ˈēz 

: mental or spiritual discomfort: such as

a

: vague dissatisfaction : misgiving

b

: anxiety, disquiet

c

: lack of ease (as in social relations) : embarrassment

Synonyms

• agita
• agitation
• anxiety
• anxiousness
• apprehension
• apprehensiveness
• care
• concern
• concernment
• disquiet
• disquietude
• fear
• nervosity
• nervousness
• perturbation
• solicitude
• sweat
• uneasiness
• worry

Examples of unease in a Sentence

A feeling of unease came over her.

They noticed increasing signs of unease among the workers.

Recent Examples on the Web

The Arena Three outstanding books recount the ambivalence and unease with which Southeast Asians view China’s role in the region. —Bilahari Kausikan, Foreign Affairs, 10 June 2024

Employees said Kendi’s fear of leaks slowed the work and created confusion and unease. —Rachel Poser January Lavoy Krish Seenivasan David Mason, New York Times, 4 June 2024

Scrutiny, fear and then graduation Another source of unease for Melara was his interactions with Customs and Border Protection officers. —Lauren Fichten, CBS News, 11 May 2024

But even as the economy has improved, Republicans are tapping into lingering unease among voters. —Hope Karnopp, Journal Sentinel, 21 Feb. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above