discomfort

[ dis-kuhm-fert ]

noun

1. an absence of comfort or ease; uneasiness, hardship, or mild pain.
2. anything that is disturbing to or interferes with comfort.

verb (used with object)

1. to disturb the comfort or happiness of; make uncomfortable or uneasy.

discomfort

/ dɪsˈkʌmfət /

noun

1. an inconvenience, distress, or mild pain
2. something that disturbs or deprives of ease

verb

1. tr to make uncomfortable or uneasy

Other Words From

• dis·com·fort·a·ble [dis-, kuhm, -fer-t, uh, -b, uh, l, -, kuhmf, -t, uh, -], adjective
• dis·comfort·ing·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of discomfort¹

First recorded in 1300–50; (for the verb) Middle English discomforten “to discourage, pain,” from Anglo-French descomforter “to sadden, grieve”; equivalent to dis- ¹ + comfort; noun derivative of verb

Example Sentences

It is understood that while the government is not seeking to strip firms of powers to prosecute criminals who deliberately avoid paying, there has been growing discomfort at action being taken against people who have made innocent mistakes.

From BBC

Rachael Smith, who works at Rawlings Opticians & Hearing Care in Winchester, said: "We see drivers of all age ranges, from 17 right through to older people, and they all complain about glare and discomfort, or being dazzled."

From BBC

He was able to play in the second half, though he showed some signs of discomfort.

From Los Angeles Times

“He’s had some minor discomfort, no setbacks. I think the discomfort is normal as he’s ramped up his activities on the court given that he’s coming off two surgeries,” Redick said before the game.

From Los Angeles Times

They are also paying close attention to voting differences among men and women — including whether men are moving away from Harris and women are moving toward her, in part because of their discomfort and anger over losing abortion rights.

From Los Angeles Times