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

Verb

• agitate
• ail
• alarm
• alarum
• bother
• concern
• derail
• discompose
• dismay
• disquiet
• distemper
• distract
• distress
• disturb
• exercise
• flurry
• frazzle
• freak (out)
• fuss
• hagride
• perturb
• undo
• unhinge
• unsettle
• upset
• weird out
• worry

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

Massage the Jaw and Surrounding Muscles Gently self-massaging the TMJ area can ease muscle tightness and jaw discomfort. —Christopher Bergland, Verywell Health, 21 Mar. 2025

Like anxiety, a heart attack can also cause chest pain, heaviness, or discomfort. —Brittany Dube, Health, 21 Mar. 2025

Kier’s Goal – This is, as some expected, a pursuit of a life free from pain, or even discomfort. —Paul Tassi, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025

This time around, Instagram influencers and TikTok creators have been promoting golden milk as a cure for the pain and discomfort of premenstrual syndrome—also known as PMS. —María Quiles, Vogue, 20 Mar. 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