uncomfortable

adjective

ˌən-ˈkəm(p)(f)-tər-bəl
Definition of uncomfortablenext
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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of uncomfortable These modern marvels use ultraviolet light to kill the bacteria and fungus that create foot odor and uncomfortable conditions such as athlete’s foot. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 3 Aug. 2026 Actors are real people too, and locking lips can be an uncomfortable experience. — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Aug. 2026 Most uncomfortable—not even a crash-test dummy would have enjoyed it. — The Atlantic, 2 Aug. 2026 Windy weather and rough seas can also make the tender rides uncomfortable – or rule them out altogether. — Nathan Diller, USA Today, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for uncomfortable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for uncomfortable
  1. harsh
  2. embarrassing
  3. uneasy
  4. sore
  5. awkward
  6. clumsy
  7. painful
  8. unpleasant
Adjective
  • In both premise and execution, the show is hugely reminiscent of the Showtime series of the aughts and early 2010s that featured women in harsh circumstances going to extremes in order to get one over on a society that didn’t care about them.
    — Joe Reid, Vulture, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Although he would not be drawn on future product pricing, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are set for release in September and will be affected by the harsh trading conditions.
    — Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of harsh
Adjective
  • The latest incident follows several embarrassing episodes this season with the Giants, who through Thursday are 47-62 and 22 games behind the first-place Dodgers in the National League West.
    — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2026
  • But, as the new documents show, that embarrassing episode constitutes separate, and sufficient, grounds for opposing Blanche’s confirmation.
    — Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 31 July 2026
Definition of embarrassing
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, China is tightening approvals for exports of rare earth products — a key bargaining chip at the last summit in Beijing, which sealed an uneasy trade truce.
    — Andy Browne, semafor.com, 4 Aug. 2026
  • As the novel coronavirus overtook daily life, in the spring of 2020, our celebrities occupied uneasy terrain.
    — Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of uneasy
Adjective
  • So, naturally, the competition between the two states assumed fraught racial overtones, which is unfortunate but not surprising, given Democrats’ penchant for picking at sore spots and turning on each other at the slightest provocation.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Aug. 2026
  • When 39 days of elite physical punishment concluded with stadium lights dimming across North America, millions of fans limped away from watch parties with hoarse voices and sore feet.
    — Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of sore
Adjective
  • Created by Ben Kronengold and Rebecca Shaw, the series has earned comparisons to Friends and Girls thanks to its awkward humor, relatable characters, and chaotic friendships.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
  • If Tottenham don’t sign someone before that first game, De Zerbi might have to use an awkward front three of the Frenchman, Richarlison and Dominic Solanke.
    — Luke Bosher, New York Times, 31 July 2026
Definition of awkward
Adjective
  • This not only flipped the pages but also translated the Japanese onomatopoeic sounds into somewhat clumsy English equivalents.
    — Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
  • The other, in quite clumsy English, requested a very careful renovation of Ingmar Bergman’s house on the island of Fårö, in Sweden.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 July 2026
Definition of clumsy
Adjective
  • In a series of video interludes that break up the performance into acts, Grande plays Peaches, a woman who wants to undergo a procedure to erase her painful memories.
    — Mitch Therieau, New Yorker, 1 Aug. 2026
  • But any movement that engages her core muscles — bending, turning, stretching — is painful and debilitating.
    — Daniela Suarez, NBC news, 31 July 2026
Definition of painful
Adjective
  • This was because Lawrence made a point to make the experience as unpleasant as possible for her costar.
    — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Aug. 2026
  • The reduction in intake was not caused by making the food unpleasant.
    — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 July 2026
Definition of unpleasant

Browse Nearby Words

uncomely
uncomfortable
uncomfortably
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Uncomfortable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/uncomfortable. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on uncomfortable

Nglish: Translation of uncomfortable for Spanish Speakers

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