a growing uneasiness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a growing uneasiness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an increasing feeling of discomfort or anxiety about a situation or event. Example: "As the deadline approached, there was a growing uneasiness among the team about their ability to complete the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

But the decision heightens a growing uneasiness everywhere over the Internet's ability to persistently define people against their will.

The New York Times - Tech

The vote by Parliament reflects a growing uneasiness in Europe about how advertisers and big business promote their products.

The New York Times

While few would cling to this aesthetic, there is a growing uneasiness that the Intrawest developments will kill what little local character exists.

The New York Times

Protecting privacy online, whether from governments, companies, or other users, is of growing concern, and state surveillance is compounding a growing uneasiness regarding the acquisition, use, and distribution of personal information by private sector companies.

Harvard University

The protest sparked a backlash against Nigerians among local residents, part of a growing uneasiness about the Africans' presence here, which some observers say reflects a wider trend of racism in India.

The Washington Post

The protest sparked an anti-Nigerian backlash among locals, part of a growing uneasiness about the Africans' presence, which some observers say reflects a wider trend of racism in India.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Indeed, the submarine episode could force the administration to make some quick decisions on how to handle an apparently growing uneasiness over the presence of American troops in Japan, most of them on Okinawa.

The New York Times

For now, much of the focus is on passing a spending bill that avoids a government shutdown, and there is growing uneasiness about how easily or quickly that will happen.

The Washington Post

It was the type of difficult choice that led to her surprise announcement on Tuesday to give up on the Senate, and it reflected growing uneasiness among Republican moderates with the return to a focus on social issues and with demands for party purity in the Republican electorate.

The New York Times

While more regarding this complex relationship is yet to come into the open through the commission of enquiry appointed by Mr Zuma, Amcu's rise to prominence in Marikana and other platinum mines has been fed by growing uneasiness among with workers with NUM's status as a credible representative of their interests in the sector.

BBC

My growing uneasiness at the state we are in began to be insistent in the spring.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a growing uneasiness" to describe an increase in anxiety or discomfort, especially in situations where the source of the unease is not immediately clear or definable. This phrase is often effective in setting a tone of suspense or uncertainty.

Common error

Avoid using "a growing uneasiness" when a more precise emotion like fear or dread is appropriate. "Uneasiness" implies a vague discomfort rather than a specific, identifiable fear. If the feeling is strong and well-defined, choose a stronger term.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a growing uneasiness" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes an escalating state of discomfort or anxiety. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a growing uneasiness" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase to describe an increasing feeling of discomfort or anxiety. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and its prevalence in news, academic, and encyclopedic sources underscores its appropriateness for formal and neutral contexts. While alternatives like "an increasing anxiety" or "a mounting concern" exist, the subtle nuance of "uneasiness"—suggesting a vague or undefined source of discomfort—makes it a uniquely effective choice. Use it to set a tone of suspense or uncertainty, but avoid it when a more precise emotion is appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an increasing anxiety

Focuses more on the feeling of anxiety rather than general discomfort.

a mounting concern

Emphasizes worry and importance.

a rising apprehension

Highlights the anticipation of something negative.

an escalating disquiet

Implies a disturbance in peace and calm.

a developing disquietude

More formal and literary term for a lack of peace or tranquility.

a burgeoning worry

Indicates a rapidly expanding state of worry.

a creeping feeling of unease

Describes the sensation as subtle and gradual.

a swelling sense of foreboding

Suggests an ominous feeling that something bad is going to happen.

a gathering storm of anxiety

Metaphorically represents anxiety as an approaching and intensifying storm.

an emerging climate of anxiety

Describes an environment permeated by growing anxiety.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a growing uneasiness" in a sentence?

Incorporate "a growing uneasiness" to depict an increasing sense of discomfort or anxiety, often when the cause isn't immediately apparent. For example, "There was "a growing uneasiness" among the investors as the stock prices began to decline."

What are some alternatives to "a growing uneasiness"?

You can use alternatives like "an increasing anxiety", "a mounting concern", or "a rising apprehension" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a growing uneasiness" in formal writing?

Yes, "a growing uneasiness" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in news, academic, or professional contexts, to express a developing sense of discomfort or worry.

What distinguishes "a growing uneasiness" from "a growing concern"?

While both phrases denote increasing worry, "a growing concern" typically implies a specific worry or issue, whereas ""a growing uneasiness"" suggests a more general or vague sense of discomfort or anxiety.