ˌən-ˈkəm(p)(f)-tər-bəl
1
as in harsh
causing discomfort
unfortunately, dressing up for the dance meant wearing an uncomfortable shirt
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in embarrassing
causing embarrassment
the uncomfortable situation of running into an ex-friend at a social gathering
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in uneasy
lacking social grace and assurance
a person who is uncomfortable at parties with lots of strangers
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of uncomfortable
Busy schedules often function as a distraction from uncomfortable emotions.
—
Bryan Robinson,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2026
On the hunt for a pair of pants that wouldn’t be uncomfortable on a long flight to Europe, another shopper also found these and fell in love immediately.
—
Essence Wiley,
InStyle,
21 June 2026
There is nothing like seeing your favourite football players and coaches, who are paid a lot of money to take a game very seriously, try to let their hair down in an unusual and uncomfortable environment.
—
Elias Burke,
New York Times,
21 June 2026
Kate Middleton looking angry and the kids looking completely uncomfortable and confused, getting booed during trooping the colour.
—
Martha Ross,
Mercury News,
20 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for uncomfortable
Bryan Robinson,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2026
On the hunt for a pair of pants that wouldn’t be uncomfortable on a long flight to Europe, another shopper also found these and fell in love immediately.
—
Essence Wiley,
InStyle,
21 June 2026
There is nothing like seeing your favourite football players and coaches, who are paid a lot of money to take a game very seriously, try to let their hair down in an unusual and uncomfortable environment.
—
Elias Burke,
New York Times,
21 June 2026
Kate Middleton looking angry and the kids looking completely uncomfortable and confused, getting booed during trooping the colour.
—
Martha Ross,
Mercury News,
20 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for uncomfortable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for uncomfortable
Adjective
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Plant magnolias somewhere they will be protected from harsh winds, especially when buds or flowers are developing.
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Most clarifying shampoos tend to be a little harsh and drying, but this one is gentle and nourishing.
Adjective
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Every year, the Heart Rate Challenge is one of the most embarrassing rituals this show puts the Islanders through.
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Boise’s rough end to May stretched into June, and the first-year club left Madison, Wisconsin, last week surrendering four unanswered goals in the second half for an embarrassing loss.
Adjective
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As the nation gears up to celebrate its 250th birthday, most Americans feel uneasy about their present, and pessimistic about their future, polls show.
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Sanders takes an uneasy step, into his wonderful, painful childhood.
Adjective
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Near the middle of the group stands a pint-size teenage Vicky, pale and bleach-blond, sticking out like a sore thumb.
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Behind her stood an image of a rendering of a permanent memorial honoring the 98 collapse victims that has yet to materialize, a sore subject that was mentioned several times during the event, along with condolences, family memories and words of encouragement.
Adjective
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Your 2nd House of Finances hits an awkward angle as the nurturing Moon quincunxes ambitious Mars in your 9th House of Travel and Learning.
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But that doesn’t mean there still aren’t some awkward moments.
Adjective
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The historic victory, the nation’s first ever in the World Cup, was overshadowed when the midfielder injured his leg in gruesome fashion following a clumsy challenge from Qatar’s Assim Madibo.
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Better systems beat willpower as clumsy Chiron enters your 6th House of Work and Health, reminding you that mistakes teach faster than shame.
Adjective
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However, Ukraine’s successes have highlighted its ability to inflict painful damage on Russia and change the course of the conflict while Moscow’s advances recently have ground to a near halt.
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California’s already-high electricity rates have increased far faster than inflation, threaten progress on climate change and pose painful affordability burdens on residents and businesses, the Berkeley report said.
Adjective
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Fresh grass clippings are great for masking naturally unpleasant odors in the garden by simply using them to cover the offensive materials.
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This could be an indication that the P-trap under the sink has dried out, which means water no longer blocks unpleasant smells from rising.
Cite this Entry
“Uncomfortable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/uncomfortable. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.
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