uneasy

1 of 2

adjective

un·​easy ˌən-ˈē-zē 

1

: causing physical or mental discomfort

Uneasy news of captures and killings …

—Marjory S. Douglas

2

: not easy : difficult

3

: marked by lack of ease : awkward, embarrassed

gave an uneasy laugh

4

: apprehensive, worried

uneasy about the weather

5

: restless, unquiet

an uneasy night

6

: precarious, unstable

an uneasy truce

uneasiness noun

uneasy

2 of 2

adverb

: uneasily

Synonyms of uneasy

Adjective

• worried
• upset
• anxious
• nervous
• troubled
• apprehensive

Examples of uneasy in a Sentence

Adjective

Rain made the crew uneasy.

He has an uneasy relationship with his father.

We spent an uneasy night waiting for news.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

While retail sales remain strong, consumer confidence is still shaky and many households feel increasingly uneasy about their financial futures. — Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 7 Aug. 2026

Meanwhile, China is tightening approvals for exports of rare earth products — a key bargaining chip at the last summit in Beijing, which sealed an uneasy trade truce. — Andy Browne, semafor.com, 4 Aug. 2026

As the novel coronavirus overtook daily life, in the spring of 2020, our celebrities occupied uneasy terrain. — Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 4 Aug. 2026

While some voters may be uneasy about seeing guards at polls, election officials say security is now a necessary safety measure after an increase in threats to election workers. — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 4 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adverb

1596, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing uneasy

• uneasy peace

Rhymes for uneasy

• marchese
• speakeasy
• breezy
• cheesy
• easy
• queasy
• sleazy
• wheezy

Kids Definition

uneasy

adjective

un·​easy

ˌən-ˈē-zē

1

: not easy in manner : awkward

uneasy among strangers

2

: disturbed by pain or worry : restless

rain made the crew uneasy

uneasily

-ˈēz-ə-lē

adverb

uneasiness

-ˈē-zē-nəs

noun