a source of unease

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a source of unease" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that causes discomfort or anxiety in a situation or context. Example: "The sudden changes in management were a source of unease among the employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Religion may have monopolised Darwinian controversy lately, but race remains a source of unease and suspicion.

Independent

The close relationship between Italy's Silvio Berlusconi and Russia's Vladimir Putin is a source of unease for the US state department.

The Guardian

There was a glimmer of hope a year ago that claims of a "special relationship" between Britain and the US would be quietly dropped, thus removing a source of unease and embarrassment on both sides of the Atlantic.

The Guardian - Opinion

Though Ugyen Trinley Dorje's residence has been a source of unease in Chinese and Indian diplomacy, his followers say that despite the embarrassment to the Chinese government his escape represented, the Chinese have not excoriated him, as they have the Dalai Lama.

The New York Times

For clients, the silent assistant can be a source of unease: 10 minutes into a phone call, not knowing whether this lurker is still listening in can put an odd hex on a conversation, portions of which may be devoted to, say, your husband's cancer or vivid examples of your wounded narcissism.

The New York Times

A lot of the calls made by Rodgers in the past few months have raised a few eyebrows on Merseyside and the lack of faith Liverpool's manager appears to have in the players who arrived in the summer is a source of unease, and this is not just about Mario Balotelli.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

And this is a source of deep unease.

The New Yorker

The figure of the unassimilated Jew, defiantly "other" in skullcap, gabardine and fringed garment, has been a source of Gentile unease for centuries.

The Guardian - Books

He writes, Just as Times Square is a diversion for some people and a stressful place for others, the cyclopic camera above a laptop's screen might, for a certain type of person, become a source of corrosive unease.

The New Yorker

Just as Times Square is a diversion for some people and a stressful place for others, the cyclopic camera above a laptop's screen might, for a certain type of person, become a source of corrosive unease.

The New Yorker

"We're not saying, 'Don't let your children surf the Web they will be psychotic.' We are saying, 'This is something we should think about.' " Just as Times Square is a diversion for some people and a stressful place for others, the cyclopic camera above a laptop's screen might, for a certain type of person, become a source of corrosive unease.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "cause for concern" or "reason for anxiety" if "a source of unease" feels too formal or repetitive within your writing. This will add variety to your writing.

Common error

Avoid pairing "a source of unease" with overly abstract or vague subjects. Ground the phrase with concrete examples to prevent weakening its impact. For example, instead of "bureaucracy is a source of unease", specify which bureaucratic processes cause unease.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a source of unease" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies what is causing discomfort, anxiety, or disquiet. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively conveys that something is generating these negative feelings.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

9%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a source of unease" is a grammatically correct phrase used to identify something causing discomfort or anxiety. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and appropriateness in various contexts. While it's not the most frequent expression, it is common in News & Media and Science, as shown in the examples. To enhance clarity, it's best practice to specify what exactly is causing the unease. When choosing an alternative, consider synonyms like "cause for concern" or "reason for anxiety" for a similar meaning. Avoid overusing abstract language and ensure the context clearly defines the cause of the unease. While "a source of anxiety" may imply a more intense emotion, "a source of unease" typically describes a more generalized discomfort.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a cause for concern

Focuses on the element of worry and potential problems.

a reason for anxiety

Highlights the anxious feelings produced by something.

a matter of disquiet

Emphasizes the disturbance and lack of peace caused.

a point of worry

Underscores the specific thing causing worry.

a trigger for apprehension

Focuses on the anticipation of something negative.

a root of disquietude

Highlights the origin or basis of disturbance.

a seed of anxiety

Suggests the beginning or early stage of anxiety.

a foundation of apprehension

Emphasizes the underlying basis for fear.

a wellspring of concern

Implies a continuous or abundant cause for worry.

an origin of perturbation

Focuses on the initial cause of agitation or disturbance.

FAQs

How can I use "a source of unease" in a sentence?

You can use "a source of unease" to describe something that causes discomfort or anxiety. For instance, "The company's financial instability was a source of unease for its employees."

What are some alternatives to "a source of unease"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "a cause for concern", "a reason for anxiety", or "a matter of disquiet", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a source of unease" in formal writing?

Yes, "a source of unease" is suitable for formal writing. It's a clear and professional way to express that something is causing discomfort or worry. It can also be used in less formal contexts, depending on the tone of your writing.

What's the difference between "a source of unease" and "a source of anxiety"?

While both phrases indicate a cause of negative feelings, "a source of unease" suggests a more general discomfort or disquiet, whereas "a source of anxiety" implies a more intense feeling of worry or nervousness.