malaise

[ ma-leyz, -muh-; French ma-lez ]

noun

1. a condition of general bodily weakness or discomfort, often marking the onset of a disease.
2. a vague or unfocused feeling of mental uneasiness, lethargy, or discomfort.

malaise

/ mæˈleɪz /

noun

1. a feeling of unease or depression
2. a mild sickness, not symptomatic of any disease or ailment
3. a complex of problems affecting a country, economy, etc

   Bulgaria's economic malaise

Word History and Origins

Origin of malaise¹

First recorded in 1760–70; from French, Old French, equivalent to mal- + ease

Word History and Origins

Origin of malaise¹

C18: from Old French, from mal bad + aise ease

Example Sentences

They returned home from a three-game trip in a mini slump that left the Clippers seeking ways to break free of that malaise in which they lost all of those games.

From Los Angeles Times

It never once succumbed to late 30s comfort or malaise, and instead delivered a chaotic charge of restlessness and structural invention.

From Los Angeles Times

The opening track, “Gemini,” is a vivid but fretful tale of modern malaise and a doppelgänger who gives Heynderickx refreshing perspective.

From New York Times

Authoritarians, fascists, autocrats, and demagogues actively encourage such malaise and surrender and related sentiments and behavior.

From Salon

Though a sitting vice president, she has tried to position herself as the “turn the page” candidate by casting Trump and his rhetoric as the cause of that national malaise.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• angst
• anxiety
• despair
• discomfort
• disquiet
• doldrums
• illness
• pain
• unease
• uneasiness
• weakness