uncomfortable

adjective

un·​com·​fort·​able
ˌən-ˈkəm(p)(f)-tər-bəl,
-ˈkəm(p)(f)-tə-bəl,
-ˈkəm(p)-fər-tə-bəl How to pronounce uncomfortable (audio)
-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 How to pronounce uncomfortable (audio)
-ˈkəm(p)-fə-tə-blē
-ˈkəm-fər-blē
-ˈkəm-fə-blē
adverb

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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
But here’s the thing about red light therapy masks: Many are uncomfortable to wear. Claire Sullivan, WWD, 24 Oct. 2024 Nothing is more uncomfortable than having my knees crammed up by my neck for hours on end, especially during an overnight 11-hour journey. Noel Burgess, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024 In addition to working out, though, a range of other uncomfortable activities trigger the Nrf-2 pathway and other cellular reactions that can strengthen our bodies. Matt Fuchs, TIME, 22 Oct. 2024 Instead of leaving your complexion feeling tight, flaky, or uncomfortable, these hybrid formulas offer a double dose of moisture and protection. Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 22 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for uncomfortable 

Word History

First Known Use

1573, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of uncomfortable was in 1573

Dictionary Entries Near uncomfortable

Cite this Entry

“Uncomfortable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/uncomfortable. Accessed 6 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

uncomfortable

adjective
un·​com·​fort·​able ˌən-ˈkəm(p)(f)-tə(r)-bəl How to pronounce uncomfortable (audio)
-ˈkəm(p)-fə(r)t-ə-bəl,
ˈən-
1
: causing discomfort
an uncomfortable chair
2
: feeling discomfort : uneasy
uncomfortably adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on uncomfortable

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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