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

Instead, stand firm and push through this discomfort into the next, new chapter of your life. —Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Apr. 2025

Too much lactose, Taub-Dix cautions, can lead to digestive discomfort for some people. —Daryl Austin, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2025

Watching the two of them on screen together, still cohabiting despite the impending split, is peak secondhand discomfort. —Shelby Stewart, Essence, 31 Mar. 2025

The consensus favored a private and respectful notification—ideally from another woman or through gym staff—to spare the woman continued public exposure without adding to her discomfort. —Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 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