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

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
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Noun
Rhett Lowder, who debuted last season and went 2-2 with a 1.17 ERA in six starts, started the season on the IL with right elbow discomfort. C. Trent Rosecrans, New York Times, 8 May 2025 One founding American who did not share his age’s discomfort with espionage was George Washington. James Santel, The Atlantic, 8 May 2025 This step involves becoming aware of your body's physical cues, such as muscle tension, a rapid heart rate, discomfort, or breathing pattern. Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 8 May 2025 The next Yankee batter after Cody Bellinger belted the fourth homer was second baseman Jazz Chisolm Jr., who fouled off the first pitch, took another one, then stepped out of the box in obvious discomfort, twisting from side to side as if to loosen his muscles. Jon Vankin, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for discomfort

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Discomfort.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/discomfort. Accessed 12 May. 2025.

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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