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

Verb

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

One nation’s discomfort in hosting another had been clear since the group-stage draw was made last December, and an enormous security operation was deemed necessary across Oslo. —Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025

While antibiotics eliminate the infection itself, supportive measures can ease discomfort until the medication takes effect. —Daryl Austin, USA Today, 10 Oct. 2025

The movie thrives in the discomfort of some of these big cultural conversations. —Kathleen Newman-Bremang, Refinery29, 10 Oct. 2025

During withdrawal from a substance, people feel profound emotional discomfort, including sadness and irritability. —Claire Wilcox, The Conversation, 10 Oct. 2025

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