uneasy

1 of 2

adjective

un·​easy ˌən-ˈē-zē 

1

: causing physical or mental discomfort

Uneasy news of captures and killings …

—Marjory S. Douglas

2

: not easy : difficult

3

: marked by lack of ease : awkward, embarrassed entry 1

gave an uneasy laugh

4

: apprehensive, worried entry 1

uneasy about the weather

5

: restless, unquiet

an uneasy night

6

: precarious, unstable

an uneasy truce

uneasiness noun

uneasy

2 of 2

adverb

: uneasily

Synonyms of uneasy

Adjective

• worried
• upset
• anxious
• nervous
• troubled
• apprehensive

Examples of uneasy in a Sentence

Adjective

Rain made the crew uneasy.

He has an uneasy relationship with his father.

We spent an uneasy night waiting for news.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

That uneasy feeling settles over the rest of Infinite Now like suffocating humidity. — Andrew Ryce, Pitchfork, 3 Nov. 2026

Some support industrial policy but are uneasy about framing it principally around competition with China. — Thomas Wright, Foreign Affairs, 3 Nov. 2026

The previous generation’s crowd is clearly uneasy with the new crop. — Max Tani, semafor.com, 2 Nov. 2026

When Luke’s current assignment becomes entwined with Colter’s, the two become uneasy partners. — Katie Campione, Deadline, 2 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adverb

1596, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing uneasy

• uneasy peace

Rhymes for uneasy

• marchese
• speakeasy
• breezy
• cheesy
• easy
• queasy
• sleazy
• wheezy

Kids Definition

uneasy

adjective

un·​easy

ˌən-ˈē-zē

1

: not easy in manner : awkward

uneasy among strangers

2

: disturbed by pain or worry : restless

rain made the crew uneasy

uneasily

-ˈēz-ə-lē

adverb

uneasiness

-ˈē-zē-nəs

noun