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

She candidly describes how a lack of knowledge and discomfort with sex took a toll on her marriage.

From BBC

The research emphasized that the informational value of feedback often outweighs the emotional discomfort of being wrong, particularly when tied to a clear incentive, such as monetary rewards.

From Science Daily

While the arterial line is the gold standard for blood pressure measurement in intensive care units and operating rooms, it is highly invasive, limits patient mobility, and can cause pain or discomfort.

From Science Daily

Unlike some of the other medications used to treat addiction, GLP-1 analogs are not controlled substances, which have potential for misuse and partially explain providers’ discomfort behind prescribing.

From Salon

The search for solutions, or relief from discomfort and pain, will be familiar to so many people.

From BBC