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

The Dodgers’ front office didn’t realize the severity of Ohtani’s discomfort. — Katie Woo, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Brown’s right leg was landed on by Seahawks cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett, leading to Brown looking to be in discomfort as the drive ended. — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 10 Sep. 2026

He's been hampered by discomfort in his right biceps and left knee for several weeks, but recently missed four consecutive games before making an 0-for-3, two-strikeout appearance against the Cincinnati Reds on Monday. — Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 10 Sep. 2026

Conflict resolution facilitator Priya Parker has shared strategies for starting and ending a disagreement while minimizing discomfort for everyone involved. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 10 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