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

The fire, the city’s deadliest since 1948, spurred calls for investigations and accountability, but officials are sensitive to potential unrest after protests in 2019 led to a wide crackdown on dissent. —J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 30 Nov. 2025

Ongoing conflicts in the region have fueled concerns that unrest could spill over and undermine the fragile truce in Gaza. —Arkansas Online, 28 Nov. 2025

The concerns over Khan's isolation come against a backdrop of political unrest, allegations of military interference, and disputed election outcomes. —Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2025

Stars Karim Daoud Anaya as Yusuf, a young man from the countryside working as a chauffeur in Jerusalem who longs for a future beyond the growing unrest. —Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 27 Nov. 2025

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