Uncomfortable
/ʌnˈkʌmfərtəbl/
Definitions
2 meaningsCausing or feeling a sense of physical unease or pain; not providing comfort.
/ʌnˈkʌmfərtəbl/
Causing or feeling slight pain or physical unease.
The tight jeans made him feel uncomfortable.
💡 Simply: Imagine wearing a scratchy sweater or sitting on a hard bench. That's uncomfortable! It's when something doesn't feel good on your body.
👶 For kids: When something doesn't feel good or makes you feel a little ouchie.
More Examples
The uncomfortable heat made everyone restless.
She tried to ignore the uncomfortable silence.
How It's Used
"The shoes were uncomfortable after walking for hours."
"She shifted in her chair, feeling uncomfortable."
Causing or experiencing a feeling of awkwardness, embarrassment, or mental unease; not socially at ease.
/ʌnˈkʌmfərtəbl/
Causing or feeling embarrassment, awkwardness, or mental unease.
She felt uncomfortable when everyone stared at her.
💡 Simply: Imagine when you accidentally say the wrong name to someone or you have to give a speech in front of a crowd. It's the yucky feeling of being awkward or embarrassed.
👶 For kids: When something makes you feel a little shy or worried.
More Examples
The politician was uncomfortable with the tough questions.
The room fell silent, and the atmosphere was very uncomfortable.
How It's Used
"The silence after the joke made him feel very uncomfortable."
"He felt uncomfortable discussing his feelings."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
make someone uncomfortable
To cause someone to feel awkward or uneasy.
"His comments made me uncomfortable."
feel uncomfortable
To experience a feeling of unease or awkwardness.
"I feel uncomfortable talking about that."
From Middle English *uncomfortable*, from *un-* (not) + *comfortable* (from Old French *confortable*, ultimately from Latin *confortare*, to strengthen).
The word 'uncomfortable' first appeared in Middle English and initially described a lack of physical ease or comfort. Over time, it evolved to encompass emotional and social unease as well.
Memory tip
Think of a chair that pokes you. It is uncomfortable!