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

That discomfort doesn’t automatically mean the decision is wrong. — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 20 Sep. 2026

In the case of immigration, Salazar is an outlier in her outspokenness but hardly alone in suggesting discomfort with the aggressive tactics of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. — David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 20 Sep. 2026

When asked if the issues was personnel, in-experience, technique, assignment, discomfort, Tabor, who has been a special teams coordinator for five NFL teams over a 15-year period, brushed off the question. — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 18 Sep. 2026

Blake Snell left Wednesday’s game early with groin issues and Tyler Glasnow recently complained of general discomfort. — Los Angeles Times, 17 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