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 of unease

• concern
• fear
• anxiety
• worry
• concernment
• uneasiness

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

But growing public unease over the technology’s social and economic impacts underscore the risks for AI’s future. — Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026

The push comes amid growing unease in Washington over AI’s role in a recent wave of cyberattacks, with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle now pressing companies for answers. — Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 11 Aug. 2026

According to Mukkamala, those professional challenges heighten the personal unease some clinicians feel treating addiction patients. — Brian Mann, NPR, 6 Aug. 2026

Wilson, playing Tom’s own version of that unease a few beats earlier, needed only the smallest gesture to register it. — Jp Mangalindan, Time, 31 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unease

• agrees
• appease
• bougies
• burmese
• chemise
• chickpeas
• chinese
• cowpeas
• curies
• decrees
• degrees
• disease