uneasy

1 of 2

adjective

un·​easy ˌən-ˈē-zē 

1

: causing physical or mental discomfort

uneasy news of captures and killings

—Marjory S. Douglas

2

: not easy : difficult

3

: marked by lack of ease : awkward, embarrassed

gave an uneasy laugh

4

: apprehensive, worried

uneasy about the weather

5

: restless, unquiet

an uneasy night

6

: precarious, unstable

an uneasy truce

uneasiness noun

uneasy

2 of 2

adverb

: uneasily

Synonyms

Adjective

• worried
• upset
• anxious
• nervous
• troubled
• apprehensive

Examples of uneasy in a Sentence

Adjective

Rain made the crew uneasy.

He has an uneasy relationship with his father.

We spent an uneasy night waiting for news.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Outlook: Stability or Strain? Oil markets in 2024 were defined by an uneasy equilibrium. —Robert Rapier, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025

Given that uneasy reminder, the small victory ultimately won by King and his followers is even more extraordinary and potent. —Sophie Van Bastelaer, EW.com, 7 July 2025

Adverb

Master has a stew of storylines that don’t always perfectly blend together, but I was impressed by how effective and uneasy-making its mood remained all the way to the end. —Taylor Antrim, Vogue, 4 Feb. 2022

As prosecutors moved to drop charges against Mr. Watts, the man who had made Ms. Francisco uneasy returned to her shop on Jan. 4. —New York Times, 4 Feb. 2021

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adverb

1596, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing uneasy

• uneasy peace

Rhymes for uneasy

• marchese
• speakeasy
• breezy
• cheesy
• easy
• queasy
• sleazy
• wheezy

Kids Definition

uneasy

adjective

un·​easy

ˌən-ˈē-zē

1

: not easy in manner : awkward

uneasy among strangers

2

: disturbed by pain or worry : restless

rain made the crew uneasy

uneasily

-ˈēz-ə-lē

adverb

uneasiness

-ˈē-zē-nəs

noun