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

Lee insisted on including the American flags dotting lawns, the general sense of unease and, in a somber touch, a credits sequence featuring the Tribute in Light. — Joshua Rothkopf, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Instead, their unease was rooted in the lack of shared experience. — Chad Jennings, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026

The unease is palpable in Kenya, where many people affected by the directive were reluctant to speak to us on the record. — Michael Kaloki, NPR, 8 Sep. 2026

Her government was also the first led by a party with neo-fascist roots, and European allies and financial markets viewed her with unease. — ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unease

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