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

But Hamaguchi is a master of the slow narrative burn, and the minor municipal drama of Evil Does Not Exist eventually reflects the discomfort of a society that feels out of balance, thanks to humanity’s encroachment on the natural world. —David Sims, The Atlantic, 9 Dec. 2024

This could be a defining moment for finding a balance between independence and partnership — don’t ignore the discomfort. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 9 Dec. 2024

Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, legs, neck, or jaw Shortness of breath, with or without chest discomfort Women may not experience these symptoms. —Carisa Brewster, Verywell Health, 9 Dec. 2024

Muscle cramps can be a nuisance, but there are ways to relieve the pain and discomfort. —Laura Schober, Health, 8 Dec. 2024

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

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