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

Instead of dodging them, lean in… clarity lives on the other side of discomfort. —Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 5 Oct. 2025

Subaru’s Star Tex upholstery is easy to clean, comfortable and free of the karmic discomfort that may accompany leather surfaces and animal testing. —Mark Phelan, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025

The elder Márquez also said the years of struggle, with a combination of physical discomfort and his uncompetitive factory Honda, taught him a lot about those around him. —Jonathan Hawkins, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2025

The problem isn’t just philosophical discomfort with a sketchy neighbor. —David Hudnall, Kansas City Star, 2 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