discomfort

1 of 2

noun

1

: mental or physical uneasiness : annoyance

2

archaic : distress, grief

discomfort

2 of 2

verb

dis·​com·​fort dis-ˈkəm(p)-fərt 

discomforted; discomforting; discomforts

transitive verb

1

: to make uncomfortable or uneasy

2

archaic : dismay sense 1

discomfortable

dis-ˈkəm(p)-fər-tə-bəl 

-ˈkəm(p)f-tər-bəl

adjective

Synonyms of discomfort

Verb

• concern
• worry
• bother
• alarm
• disturb
• distract
• anger
• distress
• upset
• disquiet
• plague
• dismay
• unsettle

Examples of discomfort in a Sentence

Noun

The patient is still experiencing some discomfort.

These new developments are being watched with discomfort by many of our allies.

Verb

the harsh criticism of his musical talent did not discomfort him in the least

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Skin also dries out more easily, lips crack and some people notice more frequent nosebleeds or additional sinus discomfort. —Daryl Austin, USA Today, 13 Dec. 2025

What Humidifier Setting To Use In Winter Dry air can cause a lot of discomfort in winter. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 13 Dec. 2025

As with men, women’s most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. —Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 12 Dec. 2025

Even off the stage, Arnett clues you in to Alex’s recessiveness, his discomfort at being the center of attention. —Justin Chang, New Yorker, 12 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Anglo-French descomforter, from des- dis- + comforter to comfort

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for discomfort

• comfort

Kids Definition

discomfort

1 of 2 verb

dis·​com·​fort dis-ˈkəm(p)-fərt 

: to make uncomfortable or uneasy : distress

discomfort

2 of 2 noun

: physical or mental uneasiness