unrest

noun

un·​rest ˌən-ˈrest 

: a disturbed, uneasy, or turbulent state : turmoil

The country has experienced years of civil/social/political unrest.

Synonyms of unrest

• 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

Before the strike action, the government had been negotiating with unions -- a familiar scenario in French politics -- in hopes of limiting the protest movement, which has resulted in France's most violent civil unrest in years. — Arkansas Online, 6 Nov. 2026

Inflation eased over the summer, but continued unrest has kept price increases well above pre-war levels. — Max Zahn, ABC News, 6 Nov. 2026

The unrest is unfolding as France’s campaign to choose Macron’s successor gathers pace, with far-right candidate Marine Le Pen leading the race. — Sylvie Corbet, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026

Widespread unrest watch now Since late September, France has seen violent protests across the country, with demonstrations dissolving into riots and looting in late October. — Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unrest

• abreast
• accessed
• addressed
• appressed
• armrest
• arrest
• assessed
• attest
• backrest
• behest
• bequest
• caressed

Kids Definition

unrest

noun

un·​rest ˌən-ˈrest 

ˈən-

: lack of rest : a disturbed or uneasy state : turmoil