uncomfortable

[ uhn-kuhmf-tuh-buhl, -kuhm-fer-tuh-buhl ]

adjective

1. causing discomfort or distress; painful; irritating.
2. in a state of discomfort; uneasy; conscious of stress or strain.

   Synonyms: strained, nervous, awkward

uncomfortable

/ ʌnˈkʌmftəbəl /

adjective

1. not comfortable
2. feeling or causing discomfort or unease; disquieting

Derived Forms

• unˈcomfortableness, noun
• unˈcomfortably, adverb

Other Words From

• un·comfort·a·ble·ness noun
• un·comfort·a·bly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of uncomfortable¹

First recorded in 1585–95; un- ¹ + comfortable

Example Sentences

Both he and Cline acknowledged that many in the industry were uncomfortable with his decision.

From BBC

Water vapor is typically scarce, and using indoor air to drive the hydration reaction can reduce the building's humidity to an uncomfortable level while the cold outside air contains limited moisture.

From Science Daily

At first, he was uncomfortable with this request but when I explained that I wanted to show what having a seizure was like, he agreed.

From BBC

However, what followed were uncomfortable and violating experiences that she has been discussing over the last few years.

From Salon

"If there's a perpetrator making a woman feel uncomfortable when she's spending extended time up at the bar asking staff - it could put her in a more vulnerable position."

From BBC

Related Words

• angry
• annoyed
• awkward
• confused
• embarrassed
• fatigued
• harsh
• miserable
• nervous
• restless
• self-conscious
• tired
• uneasy
• weary