unrest

noun

un·​rest ˌən-ˈrest How to pronounce unrest (audio)
: a disturbed or uneasy state : turmoil

Examples of unrest in a Sentence

The country has experienced years of civil unrest. unrest gripped the city as the people nervously awaited the expected bombardment
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Trump administration has pardoned all Jan. 6 protesters and has taken actions against those who prosecuted them for a variety of allegations connected to the unrest. Ross O'Keefe, The Washington Examiner, 28 June 2025 In addition, Trump has not ruled out invoking the Insurrection Act, which allows the deployment of active-duty U.S. military personnel within the United States in cases of unrest or rebellion — a prospect also made more likely when the nation is at war. Robert B. Reich, Hartford Courant, 27 June 2025 Newsom maintains the call took place days earlier — on June 6 or 7 — and that Trump steered the conversation away when Newsom tried to bring up the unrest. Bethany Wales, Sacbee.com, 27 June 2025 Turkey vehemently rejects the label, conceding that many died in that era but insisting the death toll is inflated and resulted from civil unrest. Avet Demourian, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for unrest

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unrest was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unrest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unrest. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

unrest

noun
un·​rest ˌən-ˈrest How to pronounce unrest (audio)
ˈən-
: lack of rest : a disturbed or uneasy state : turmoil

More from Merriam-Webster on unrest

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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