unease

noun

un·​ease ˌən-ˈēz 

: mental or spiritual discomfort: such as

a

: vague dissatisfaction : misgiving

b

: anxiety, disquiet

c

: lack of ease (as in social relations) : embarrassment

Synonyms of unease

• concern
• fear
• anxiety
• worry
• concernment
• uneasiness

Examples of unease in a Sentence

A feeling of unease came over her.

They noticed increasing signs of unease among the workers.

Recent Examples on the Web

According to Mukkamala, those professional challenges heighten the personal unease some clinicians feel treating addiction patients. — Brian Mann, NPR, 6 Aug. 2026

Such talk seemed fanciful until this week, despite long-term unease with Infantino’s style and previous attempts to force through unpopular projects. — Graham Dunbar, Fortune, 2 Aug. 2026

Wilson, playing Tom’s own version of that unease a few beats earlier, needed only the smallest gesture to register it. — Jp Mangalindan, Time, 31 July 2026

Israel’s military says the incursions endanger operations, yet participants tout ties to far-right ministers, fueling regional unease that another once-marginal settler campaign could eventually reshape contested borders. — Natalie Melzer, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unease

• agrees
• appease
• bougies
• burmese
• chemise
• chickpeas
• chinese
• cowpeas
• curies
• decrees
• degrees
• disease