an uncomfortable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an uncomfortable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a feeling, situation, or experience that causes discomfort or unease. Example: "She found herself in an uncomfortable position during the meeting, unsure of how to respond to the criticism."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's an uncomfortable memory.

Independent

(There's an uncomfortable pause).

The New Yorker

Mormonism is an uncomfortable subject.

The New York Times

There was an uncomfortable pause.

The New Yorker

History offers an uncomfortable precedent.

The Economist

There was an uncomfortable silence.

The New Yorker

"It's really an uncomfortable feeling.

The New York Times

This is an uncomfortable discussion.

The Economist

"It's an uncomfortable thing".

The New York Times

"It's an uncomfortable uncertainty.

The Guardian - Sport

This is an uncomfortable fact.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an uncomfortable" to describe situations, feelings, or objects that cause a sense of unease, awkwardness, or mild distress. It effectively conveys a subtle level of discomfort without being overly dramatic.

Common error

While "an uncomfortable" is versatile, overuse in formal contexts can make writing seem less precise. Consider stronger alternatives like "distressing" or "troubling" to add impact and clarity to your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an uncomfortable" typically functions as a pre-modifying adjective phrase, describing a noun by attributing a quality of unease or discomfort. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its use in various contexts. The Ludwig AI confirms this grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

12%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an uncomfortable" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjective phrase that conveys a sense of unease, awkwardness, or mild distress. Ludwig examples show its versatility in describing various nouns, from physical sensations to abstract concepts. While its register leans towards neutral, it's predominantly found in news and media sources, as seen by Ludwig. The Ludwig AI affirms that "an uncomfortable" is correct and widely applicable in written English. When seeking alternatives, consider options like "a distressing" or "an awkward" to better suit specific contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an uneasy

Highlights a lack of comfort or peace of mind.

an awkward

Focuses on the social unease or lack of grace in a situation.

a distressing

Replaces "uncomfortable" with a stronger term implying emotional distress.

a troubling

Highlights the worrying or concerning aspect of something.

a disconcerting

Emphasizes the unsettling or confusing nature of something.

a disquieting

Emphasizes a sense of anxiety or disturbance.

a tense

Indicates a state of strained relations or heightened anxiety.

a painful

Highlights the unpleasant or distressing aspect of the experience or situation.

a disagreeable

Focuses on the unpleasant or unwanted nature of something.

a trying

Emphasizes the challenging or difficult aspect of the experience or situation.

FAQs

How can I use "an uncomfortable" in a sentence?

You can use "an uncomfortable" to describe a feeling, situation, or physical sensation. For example, "There was "an uncomfortable silence" in the room" or "The chair provided "an uncomfortable position" for prolonged sitting."

What's the difference between "an uncomfortable" and "an awkward" situation?

"An uncomfortable" situation generally implies a feeling of unease or mild distress, while "an awkward situation" suggests a lack of social grace or coordination, often leading to embarrassment.

What can I say instead of "an uncomfortable" feeling?

Alternatives to "an uncomfortable" feeling include "an uneasy feeling", "a distressing feeling", or "a disquieting feeling", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "an uncomfortable"?

While generally correct, using "an uncomfortable" may be less appropriate in highly formal or technical contexts where more precise or stronger language might be preferred. Consider whether alternatives like "a troubling" or "a distressing" would better convey your intended meaning.