discomfort

1 of 2

noun

1

: mental or physical uneasiness : annoyance

2

archaic : distress, grief

discomfort

2 of 2

verb

dis·​com·​fort dis-ˈkəm(p)-fərt 

discomforted; discomforting; discomforts

transitive verb

1

: to make uncomfortable or uneasy

2

archaic : dismay sense 1

discomfortable

dis-ˈkəm(p)-fər-tə-bəl 

-ˈkəm(p)f-tər-bəl

adjective

Synonyms of discomfort

Verb

• concern
• worry
• bother
• alarm
• disturb
• distract
• anger
• distress
• upset
• disquiet
• plague
• dismay
• unsettle

Examples of discomfort in a Sentence

Noun

The patient is still experiencing some discomfort.

These new developments are being watched with discomfort by many of our allies.

Verb

the harsh criticism of his musical talent did not discomfort him in the least

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Level 1 is ideal for anyone new to acupressure while Level 2 is for the experienced, with more initial discomfort but a deeper release. — ABC News, 26 Sep. 2026

Even back then, though, there was extreme discomfort within the Black British community about the character, who Baron Cohen claims is a pastiche of young men who culturally appropriate Black culture. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 25 Sep. 2026

The discomfort was part of the fun and, in its own way, made the risk worth it. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 25 Sep. 2026

Digestive enzyme supplements are everywhere on social feeds right now, marketed as a fast fix for bloating, trigger foods and after-meal discomfort. — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 23 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Anglo-French descomforter, from des- dis- + comforter to comfort

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for discomfort

• comfort

Kids Definition

discomfort

1 of 2 verb

dis·​com·​fort dis-ˈkəm(p)-fərt 

: to make uncomfortable or uneasy : distress

discomfort

2 of 2 noun

: physical or mental uneasiness