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

The plan would effectively legitimize Russia’s annexation of Crimea, Donetsk and Luhansk and comes despite unease among European partners. —Daniel Orton, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2025

Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser, meanwhile, condemned the shooting and pledged that the suspect will be prosecuted, but also hinted at her unease with the deployment. —Josh Wingrove, Fortune, 27 Nov. 2025

Stately unease Five of the seven other big states tracked by the Conference Board saw optimism drop – but no political pattern emerges. —Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 26 Nov. 2025

Reasons can include concerns about demotivating their kids or starting conflict, or even just an unease with discussing money in general, said certified financial planner Mitchell Kraus, founder and principal of Capital Intelligence Associates in Santa Monica, California. —Sarah O'Brien, CNBC, 25 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unease

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