unrest

noun

un·rest | \ˌən-ˈrest

\

Definition of unrest

: a disturbed or uneasy state : turmoil

Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about unrest

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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

The Jungle had the same effect in awakening knowledge of industrial unrest and dangerous workplace conditions. — Jeet Heer, The New Republic, "The Centrist Grievance Against “Victim Politics”," 7 May 2018 Ryan’s potential reemergence is just one of the many machinations happening in the Democratic Caucus right now, as Ocasio-Cortez’s victory in New York underscores the growing unrest with Pelosi and the party’s leadership. — Chris Stirewalt, Fox News, "Dems face big loss, big opportunity with Kavanaugh," 10 July 2018 In a video Mayes posted on Facebook on the second night of the riots he can be heard saying that unrest was necessary and the Sherman Park police station was one of the city's worst. — Todd Richmond, chicagotribune.com, "Feds charge man with planning to firebomb Wisconsin police station," 6 July 2018 But the unrest in New York City is a landmark moment: For all its cultural liberalism, the city is usually a politically rigid place — a tough arena for newcomers, given the party machines and election laws that discourage competition. — Alexander Burns, New York Times, "4 Takeaways From Tuesday’s Primary Elections," 27 June 2018 Violent civil unrest has been part of this area since the city was founded along the Ohio River in 1788. — John Kiesewetter, Cincinnati.com, "Civil unrest woven into city's history," 8 June 2018 Nicaragua’s government denies links to paramilitary groups and says the unrest is the result of an opposition plot to overthrow it. — Juan Montes, WSJ, "Nicaragua’s Political Crisis Descends Into ‘Dark Days’," 6 June 2018 However, civil unrest and violent demonstrations spurred by plans to raise gas prices in the country prevented the groups from getting home safely. — Deasia Paige, Detroit Free Press, "Stranded Troy Kensington Church mission members back from Haiti," 11 July 2018 The unrest and killings, which human-rights group blame on the police and pro-Ortega paramilitaries, have brought Nicaragua’s economy, which depends on agriculture and tourism, to a standstill. — John Otis, WSJ, "Nicaraguan Leader’s Former Pro-Business Allies Want Him Out," 10 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'unrest.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

23 Oct 2018

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Time Traveler for unrest

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

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More Definitions for unrest

unrest

noun

English Language Learners Definition of unrest

: a situation in which many of the people in a country are angry and hold protests or act violently

See the full definition for unrest in the English Language Learners Dictionary

unrest

noun

un·rest | \ˌən-ˈrest

\

Kids Definition of unrest

: a disturbed or uneasy state political unrest

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