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

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

From Los Angeles Times

That is, of course, until I walk outside, where I am reminded of my lifelong discomfort with the more lurid aspects of Halloween.

From Los Angeles Times

Throughout “Martha,” Stewart colors her words with effervescent agreeability, only to betray flashes of discomfort when the silence stretches beyond a second or two.

From Salon

He had to test his level of pain with swings in the batting cage, ensuring he could play through whatever discomfort remained.

From Los Angeles Times

Some of that discomfort is a function of not having thought too deeply and engaged in robust debates about these issues.

From Salon