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 How to pronounce discomfort (audio)
discomforted; discomforting; discomforts

transitive verb

1
: to make uncomfortable or uneasy
2
archaic : dismay sense 1
discomfortable
dis-ˈkəm(p)-fər-tə-bəl How to pronounce discomfort (audio)
-ˈkəm(p)f-tər-bəl
adjective

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
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Noun
Each new development is underscored by a lingering discomfort about the racial dynamics of the skirmish and about Maja taking action where Nourou might have wanted to leave the whole thing be. Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 28 Sep. 2025 She hadn’t been concerned so much about Kelly’s discomfort, a first-time minority in a sea of Black, as that Kelly might say something that would irredeemably mark Jean among her Spelman friends. David Wright Faladé, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2025 Broccoli While generally considered a nutrition powerhouse, broccoli made Remo’s list of bloat-inducing foods that could cause discomfort while on a flight. Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2025 Weak adductors often lead to poor pelvic control, which can manifest as lower back pain, hip discomfort or even knee problems. Dana Santas, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for discomfort

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of discomfort was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Discomfort.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/discomfort. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

discomfort

1 of 2 verb
dis·​com·​fort dis-ˈkəm(p)-fərt How to pronounce discomfort (audio)
: to make uncomfortable or uneasy : distress

discomfort

2 of 2 noun
: physical or mental uneasiness

More from Merriam-Webster on discomfort

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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