unrest

noun

un·​rest ˌən-ˈrest How to pronounce unrest (audio)
: a disturbed or uneasy state : 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Complex created following 2016 unrest after police shooting Sherman Phoenix grew out of the ashes of civil unrest following the police shooting death of 23-year-old Sylville Smith in 2016. La Risa R. Lynch, jsonline.com, 25 Oct. 2025 The drama, which also stars Hong Kong’s Natalie Hsu, Taiwanese-Japanese actor Bai Run-yin, and Malaysian stage veteran Pearlly Chua, is set in late-1990s Malaysia amid political unrest. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 24 Oct. 2025 Born in Bamako, Mali, during French colonial rule, Keïta developed his studio practice against a backdrop of political unrest. Folasade Ologundudu, Vogue, 24 Oct. 2025 Beijing may recognize a particular opposition figure as its preferred negotiation partner, while inciting public unrest and demonstrations against the Taipei government. Charlie Campbell, Time, 23 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unrest

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unrest was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unrest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unrest. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

unrest

noun
un·​rest ˌən-ˈrest How to pronounce unrest (audio)
ˈən-
: lack of rest : a disturbed or uneasy state : turmoil

More from Merriam-Webster on unrest

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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