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 How to pronounce discomfort (audio)
discomforted; discomforting; discomforts

transitive verb

1
: to make uncomfortable or uneasy
2
archaic : dismay sense 1
discomfortable
dis-ˈkəm(p)-fər-tə-bəl How to pronounce discomfort (audio)
-ˈkəm(p)f-tər-bəl
adjective

Example Sentences

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
An ill-fitting pack can put unnecessary strain on your body that results in bruising, chafing, or general discomfort—three things guaranteed to throw a wrench in your trip. Ryan Wichelns, Popular Mechanics, 2 Mar. 2023 Thanks to its cushioned insole, Vionic's Wilma Bootie offers exceptional arch support that can help remediate discomfort and strain. Hillary Maglin, Travel + Leisure, 2 Mar. 2023 Each cbd gummy is specially crafted by combining hemp extract, other central nervous system supporting ingredients, and delicious flavorings in order to promote well-being and relieve common issues like stress and menstrual discomfort. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 28 Feb. 2023 For example, aspirin or ibuprofen can reduce discomfort. Claire Gillespie, Health, 27 Feb. 2023 Maybe our own discomfort around owning our food pleasures prevents us from the longer-lasting pleasure of being around people. Mary Beth Albright, Washington Post, 26 Feb. 2023 And that’s not all, as prebiotics can trigger digestive discomfort like bloating, gassiness, and diarrhea. Karen Asp, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Feb. 2023 Common symptoms include palpitations (bursts of rapid heartbeats), fatigue or chest discomfort. Leah Vredenbregt, ABC News, 23 Feb. 2023 It can be used to reduce any discomfort or redness. Women's Health, 21 Feb. 2023
Verb
Even so, plot coincidences can pile up along the way, and the Padavanos themselves comment on the soap-opera twists that discomfort and reconfigure their relationships. Diane Cole, Washington Post, 12 Mar. 2023 Coming face-to-face with these strange beings, so seemingly separate from the human realm, poets have expressed wonder, bewilderment, and sometimes discomfort. Henri Cole, The Atlantic, 18 Sep. 2022 However, some people, including the graphic novel’s author, Art Spiegelman, believe the real reason it was removed was disinterest in or discomfort with Holocaust education on the part of Tennessee lawmakers. Helen Kapstein, The Conversation, 28 July 2022 Making sure your sock fits properly is the best way to avoid blisters or discomfort mid-hike. Emma Seymour, Good Housekeeping, 8 June 2022 This week my mind has been on the kinds of books that attempt to deliberately discomfort us by holding up those individual or societal flaws to a kind of scrutiny that is critical, even reaching toward a place of ridicule. John Warner, Chicago Tribune, 7 May 2022 Perhaps only when people are so comfortable together (the actors were roommates at Carnegie Mellon School of Drama) can discomfort be played and transcended so authentically. New York Times, 2 May 2022 And despite my own misgivings about how the medical industry treats us, about how America treats us, my desire to end this by doing the collective good is greater than my skepticism of and discomfort with it. Damon Young, Washington Post, 2 Feb. 2022 As public education becomes an ever-hotter political issue, some governors and school boards have begun banning books and curricula that some concerned citizens find objectionable or believe may cause parents or students discomfort. Peter Weber, The Week, 26 Jan. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'discomfort.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of discomfort was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near discomfort

Cite this Entry

“Discomfort.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/discomfort. Accessed 24 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

discomfort

1 of 2 verb
dis·​com·​fort dis-ˈkəm(p)-fərt How to pronounce discomfort (audio)
: to make uncomfortable or uneasy : distress

discomfort

2 of 2 noun
: physical or mental uneasiness

More from Merriam-Webster on discomfort

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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