unease

noun

un·​ease ˌən-ˈēz 

: mental or spiritual discomfort: such as

a

: vague dissatisfaction : misgiving

b

: anxiety, disquiet

c

: lack of ease (as in social relations) : embarrassment

Synonyms

• agita
• agitation
• anxiety
• anxiousness
• apprehension
• apprehensiveness
• care
• concern
• concernment
• disquiet
• disquietude
• fear
• nervosity
• nervousness
• perturbation
• solicitude
• sweat
• uneasiness
• worry

Examples of unease in a Sentence

A feeling of unease came over her.

They noticed increasing signs of unease among the workers.

Recent Examples on the Web

Jobs have been scarce since the end of the peak TV era, leading to a general sense of unease among the membership. —Gene Maddaus, Variety, 4 Dec. 2024

Reports suggest plans are already creating unease among federal workers who are concerned about whether their jobs may be cut by the incoming administration. —Matt Robison, Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2024

There’s meaning to be found in the unease between what’s happening in these people’s lives and the film’s wandering tone. —Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 15 Nov. 2024

President-elect Trump’s stunning political comeback, capped by his victory over Vice President Harris this week, has sparked unease over Ukraine’s future and how the incoming Republican administration will handle the war against Russia. —Brad Dress, The Hill, 6 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above