uncomfortable

adjective

un·​com·​fort·​able

ˌən-ˈkəm(p)(f)-tər-bəl, 

-ˈkəm(p)(f)-tə-bəl, 

-ˈkəm(p)-fər-tə-bəl 

-ˈkəm(p)-fə-tə-bəl, 

-ˈkəm-fər-bəl, 

-ˈkəm-fə-bəl

1

: causing discomfort or annoyance

an uncomfortable chair

an uncomfortable performance

2

: feeling discomfort : uneasy

was uncomfortable with them

uncomfortably

ˌən-ˈkəm(p)(f)-tər-blē, 

-ˈkəm(p)(f)-tə-blē, 

-ˈkəm(p)-fər-tə-blē 

-ˈkəm(p)-fə-tə-blē, 

-ˈkəm-fər-blē, 

-ˈkəm-fə-blē

adverb

Synonyms of uncomfortable

• harsh
• sore
• awkward
• painful
• miserable
• discomforting
• torturous
• comfortless
• disturbing

Examples of uncomfortable in a Sentence

You look uncomfortable in that chair. Would you like to sit here instead?

The silence went on so long that it became very uncomfortable.

We were in the uncomfortable position of asking for money.

I was uncomfortable about talking to them.

She's uncomfortable being in the spotlight.

Recent Examples on the Web

Speaking from experience, the right footwear can transform an uncomfortable ensemble into something actually functional, warm, and totally worth wearing. — Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2026

But a massive data breach in California is raising some uncomfortable questions about who has access to student records and how safely that information is stored. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 29 Oct. 2026

Both underrated and productive, Breckenridge’s ability to make Peterson uncomfortable in the pocket would be a big boost. — Steve Reaven, Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 2026

Still, candidates like Hamilton are an uncomfortable fit for the Democratic Party. — Emma Green, New Yorker, 29 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1573, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for uncomfortable

• comfortable

Kids Definition

uncomfortable

adjective

un·​com·​fort·​able ˌən-ˈkəm(p)(f)-tə(r)-bəl 

-ˈkəm(p)-fə(r)t-ə-bəl, 

ˈən-

1

: causing discomfort

an uncomfortable chair

2

: feeling discomfort : uneasy

uncomfortably

-blē 

adverb