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

• comfortless
• discomforting
• harsh

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

Some people who have reported uncomfortable highs, and in some circumstances, panic attacks, psychosis, and hospitalization after taking a delta-8 or other hemp product. —Ashley Okwuosa, The Examination; Amy Yurkanin, Al.com; John Diedrich, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, USA TODAY, 18 Apr. 2024

At times, in fact, Part Two has the uncomfortable feeling of a victory lap. —Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 18 Apr. 2024

Other consumers have suffered uncomfortable highs, and in some circumstances, panic attacks, psychosis and hospitalization. —John Diedrich, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel | Ashley Okwuosa, The Examination | Amy Yurkanin, Al.com, Journal Sentinel, 18 Apr. 2024

American officials found themselves in an odd and uncomfortable position: They had been kept in the dark about an important action by a close ally, Israel, even as Iran, a longtime adversary, telegraphed its intentions well in advance. —Richard Pérez-Peña, New York Times, 17 Apr. 2024

Athletes and fans have criticized the design, saying that the outfit looks uncomfortable and revealing. —Juliana Kim, NPR, 15 Apr. 2024

Modern dating means learning how to be comfortable with being uncomfortable, standing firmly in your beliefs, and navigating the beliefs of others in very politically divided times—all the while cycling through the countless disappointments of app dating. —Myisha Battle, TIME, 13 Apr. 2024

My parents were uncomfortable in the stands because of the words and the way they were being treated. —Allison Dikanovic, Kansas City Star, 12 Apr. 2024

Scientists ponder fighting climate change by making clouds brighter and thicker Common symptoms of pollen allergies Finding yourself uncomfortable after breathing in some fresh air? —USA TODAY, 4 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1573, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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