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

Raising awareness about the importance of mammograms and prepping patients for discomfort may help. —Julia Landwehr, Health, 18 Oct. 2025

Presumed starting shooting guard Jaden Ivey had arthroscopic surgery Thursday to relieve discomfort in his right knee and will be sidelined for at least a month. —Hunter Patterson, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025

Kristian Coates Ulrichsen of Rice University’s Baker Institute said that discomfort doesn’t change the facts on the ground. —Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025

In the 1980s, only about 14% of Americans used them, and a majority opposed mandatory seatbelt laws, citing personal freedom and discomfort. —Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 16 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