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

In each case, a single incident acted not as the sole cause of the unrest, but as the spark that brought existing grievances into the open. — Šumit Ganguly, NPR, 27 July 2026

When the government raised fuel prices by 50% in 2019, nationwide protests quickly escalated into broader anti-government unrest and were met with a sweeping security crackdown and an internet blackout. — Chris Lau, CNN Money, 26 July 2026

In King’s Landing, Rhaenyra tries to convene her Small Council and figure out what to do about unrest in her city and a lack of funds, though Daemon manages to secure some gold from Lady Arryn of the Vale. — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026

The recent unrest – which is casting doubt over local elections that begin Monday – complicates that story. — Hasan Ali, Christian Science Monitor, 26 July 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