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

More than 300 people were killed during the unrest, according to international human rights groups. — Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2026

Capitalizing on the tide of anti-Rhaenyra sentiment rising among the peasants of King's Landing, Ormund plots to sow further unrest by paying off a band of smallfolk to brutally torture and kill members of the City Watch. — Megan McCluskey, Time, 20 July 2026

Oil prices were sharply higher on Friday due to the ongoing unrest in the Middle East. — Azhar Sukri,terri Cullen,michael Wayland, CNBC, 19 July 2026

Authorities said the fatal shooting took place during unrest in Tehran, where protesters blocked roads and clashed with security forces. — ABC News, 18 July 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