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

On an empty stomach, acid levels may be higher, which can reduce probiotic survival and, in some people, trigger mild discomfort. —Jahnavi Rapaka, Vogue, 21 Mar. 2026

Avoid in-ear discomfort with an open-ear, bud-free design from SHOKZ. —Tory Johnson, ABC News, 21 Mar. 2026

Rachel Accurso Amid his confusion and discomfort, Gael has grown increasingly distressed at Dilley, Mukherjee said, at times hitting himself — behavior his parents had not previously seen. —Mike Hixenbaugh, NBC news, 21 Mar. 2026

The Methodology of an At-Home Measurement Relying on a size measured years ago is one of the most common causes of persistent bra discomfort. —Malana Vantyler march 20, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Mar. 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