an underlying unease

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an underlying unease" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a subtle or hidden feeling of discomfort or anxiety that may not be immediately apparent. Example: "Despite the cheerful atmosphere, there was an underlying unease among the guests, as they sensed something was amiss."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

There are indications of an underlying unease.

The New York Times - Travel

On our journey, especially in mosques, we confronted an underlying unease and suspicion toward these agencies.

The New York Times

Even when the metaphysical element is absent, the use of video as a plot point often communicates an underlying unease.

The New York Times

Andrew George, the main rebel who is MP for St Ives, said: "There is an underlying unease about the bill amongst my colleagues.

The Guardian

Yet this weekend, despite an underlying unease at the overpriced monotony, deeply unimpressive administrators and certainty of who will be crowned champions come the end of the season, hope springs eternal.

The Guardian - Sport

Yet his new book, a part-memoir, part-political treatise called A Home From Home, reveals an underlying unease first prompted by a friend at Durham university's surprise that his parents were Asian.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Nahda, the disciplined Islamist group that grabbed a winning 37% of the vote three years ago in a ballot for a constitutional assembly, has soothed fears of secular Tunisians by declaring that it will not field a presidential candidate.Yet there is plenty of underlying unease.

The Economist

White's sense of underlying unease has been compounded by the stresses of concertedly promoting that album around the globe, a factor that may or may not have played a role in December's fracas.

The Guardian - Music

Yet, as ever with Chelsea these days, there was also underlying unease; the gnawing concern that Scolari's team, for all their possession and chances, have a certain vulnerability.

The Guardian - Sport

The underlying unease about Al-Awlaki's assassination is that there is considerable argument about whether he had become "operational" and was actively plotting or whether he was merely inspiring terrorism.

Huffington Post

Certainly, the elastic legal system leaves smart companies plenty of room for manoeuvre; but only the naïve would expect anything else.Mr Kukes has played a tough game; and there remains an underlying note of unease about the company itself.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an underlying unease" to subtly hint at discomfort or anxiety, especially when the situation appears calm on the surface. It's useful for building suspense or suggesting hidden problems.

Common error

Avoid using "an underlying unease" when a more direct term like "fear" or "anxiety" is more appropriate. "Unease" is subtle; if the emotion is strong and obvious, a stronger term is needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an underlying unease" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a subtle or not immediately apparent feeling of discomfort or anxiety. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correctly used across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

18%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an underlying unease" is a valid and relatively common phrase used to describe a subtle or hidden feeling of discomfort or anxiety. As Ludwig AI has confirmed, it is grammatically correct and suitable for use in a variety of contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific writing. The phrase suggests a sense of worry that is not immediately obvious, often hinting at deeper issues or potential problems. Alternatives like "a subtle disquiet" or "a latent anxiety" can be used to express similar meanings, though "an underlying unease" retains a unique emphasis on the subtle and concealed nature of the feeling.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a subtle disquiet

Replaces "unease" with "disquiet" to denote a mild form of anxiety. The semantic change is minor.

a latent anxiety

Substitutes "unease" with "anxiety", which is a stronger term, implying a more pronounced state of worry.

a vague sense of apprehension

Replaces "underlying unease" with a broader description of feeling apprehensive, emphasizing a lack of clarity in the worry.

a creeping disquiet

Uses "creeping" to emphasize the gradual and subtle onset of the feeling, adding a sense of stealth.

a persistent unease

Highlights the continuous nature of the unease, suggesting it doesn't easily dissipate.

a palpable tension

Shifts the focus to the feeling of tension rather than unease, suggesting a more perceptible sense of strain.

a hidden disquiet

Emphasizes the concealed nature of the disquiet, similar to "underlying" but with a stronger implication of secrecy.

a deep-seated anxiety

Indicates a more profound and rooted anxiety compared to a simple unease.

a nameless dread

Replaces "unease" with "dread", suggesting a more intense and undefined fear.

a simmering tension

Uses "simmering" to describe a low-level, persistent tension that could escalate.

FAQs

How can I use "an underlying unease" in a sentence?

You can use "an underlying unease" to describe a subtle feeling of discomfort or anxiety that is not immediately obvious. For example: "Despite the cheerful music, there was "an underlying unease" among the guests."

What phrases are similar to "an underlying unease"?

Similar phrases include "a subtle disquiet", "a latent anxiety", or "a vague sense of apprehension". These alternatives convey a similar sense of discomfort or worry.

Is it better to use "an underlying unease" or "a general anxiety"?

The choice depends on the context. "An underlying unease" suggests a subtle, less pronounced feeling, while "a general anxiety" implies a more widespread and noticeable state of worry.

What's the difference between "an underlying unease" and "an open concern"?

"An underlying unease" refers to a hidden or subtle feeling of discomfort. "An open concern", on the other hand, is an expressed worry or issue that is known and discussed.