unrest

noun

un·​rest ˌən-ˈrest 

: a disturbed, uneasy, or turbulent state : turmoil

The country has experienced years of civil/social/political unrest.

Synonyms of unrest

• turmoil

Examples of unrest in a Sentence

The country has experienced years of civil unrest.

unrest gripped the city as the people nervously awaited the expected bombardment

Recent Examples on the Web

October has also brought growing nationwide unrest over the cost of living and other issues, which has at times escalated into violent and costly rioting. — Jenni Reid, CNBC, 30 Oct. 2026

The unrest has since spread to several other cities across the country. — Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 29 Oct. 2026

France has its share of problems at the moment, from civil unrest over a widening gap in living standards to the broader planetary threat of climate change. — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 29 Oct. 2026

The unrest began after high school students took to the streets last month to denounce poor conditions and resources at their campuses. — Michael Finnegan, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unrest

• abreast
• accessed
• addressed
• appressed
• armrest
• arrest
• assessed
• attest
• backrest
• behest
• bequest
• caressed

Kids Definition

unrest

noun

un·​rest ˌən-ˈrest 

ˈən-

: lack of rest : a disturbed or uneasy state : turmoil