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 How to pronounce discomfort (audio)
discomforted; discomforting; discomforts

transitive verb

1
: to make uncomfortable or uneasy
2
archaic : dismay sense 1
discomfortable
dis-ˈkəm(p)-fər-tə-bəl How to pronounce discomfort (audio)
-ˈkəm(p)f-tər-bəl
adjective

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
Markle also discussed her discomfort with how often women target other women online. Jaden Thompson, Variety, 8 Mar. 2024 In October, Apollo released Live for Me, a sparse and raw EP that was, in a way, an exercise in further discomfort. Cat Cardenas, Vogue, 7 Mar. 2024 However, it was reported that seven students were evaluated for discomfort, but did not require medical care. Charna Flam, Peoplemag, 6 Mar. 2024 In the video, attendees can be heard discussing their discomfort and later observing that Swardson’s microphone was turned off. Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2024 Tube feedings can also have unpleasant or dangerous side effects and often increase a dying patient’s discomfort. Jenny Sweigard, Verywell Health, 4 Mar. 2024 However, if the asymmetry persists beyond the typical settling period, or if there are signs of complications such as pain or significant discomfort, consult your surgeon. Carlos Wolf, Miami Herald, 2 Mar. 2024 As cartilage, the connective tissue that acts as a cushion between joints, wears away, achiness and discomfort ensue.14 Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis.15 A healthy, balanced diet and weight-bearing exercise can help prevent it.14 7. Madeleine Burry, Health, 28 Feb. 2024 The act of stealing may provide temporary relief from emotional discomfort or serve as a distraction from issues in other areas of one’s life. Mark Travers, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024
Verb
To do so, officials are spelling out how a series of measures will mean harsh consequences for misbehavior — and discomfort even for those who simply want to have a good time. Aaron Leibowitz, Miami Herald, 15 Feb. 2024 Be alert to discomfort or disagreement and intervene appropriately to prevent escalation. Mike S. Shapiro, Forbes, 13 Nov. 2023 The project uses motion capture and real-time rendering, creating 3D images meant to discomfort rather than wow, Variety wrote in June. John Hopewell, Variety, 20 Sep. 2023 Say goodbye to discomfort and hello to a happier, healthier pup! Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 7 Aug. 2023 Say goodbye to discomfort and try Move Free Ultra Triple Action Joint Support Supplement today. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 29 June 2023 Text of bliss: the text that imposes a state of loss, the text that discomforts (perhaps to the point of a certain boredom), unsettles the reader’s historical, cultural, psychological assumptions, the consistency of his tastes, values, memories, brings to a crisis his relation with language. A.o. Scott, New York Times, 21 June 2023 People who do have symptoms may feel fatigued or discomfort in the upper right side of the abdomen. Linda Carroll, NBC News, 16 June 2023 Bye-bye to discomfort and welcome the calming effects of CBD, which are always and everywhere at your disposal. 7. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 12 June 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'discomfort.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of discomfort was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near discomfort

Cite this Entry

“Discomfort.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/discomfort. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

discomfort

1 of 2 verb
dis·​com·​fort dis-ˈkəm(p)-fərt How to pronounce discomfort (audio)
: to make uncomfortable or uneasy : distress

discomfort

2 of 2 noun
: physical or mental uneasiness

More from Merriam-Webster on discomfort

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