at unrest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at unrest" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of disturbance or agitation, often in a social or political context. Example: "The community has been at unrest since the controversial decision was made by the local government."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

I'm at unrest.

The Guardian - Film

Baltimore is good at unrest, remember?

The Washington Post

But where Mr. Douglas takes a social interest in the gathering, and even hints at unrest beyond the frame, Ms. Prager lingers on the midcentury outfits: it's one big "Mad Men" costume party.

The New York Times - Arts

The finger-pointing at unrest here and a worker strike there is just avoidance of the fact that oil is far more expensive than market fundamentals can support.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

PAGE A7 SYRIAN UNREST AT STALEMATE The four-month-old uprising in Syria remains locked in a stalemate with a government that still enjoys support.

The New York Times

There is also little sign of co-ordination among different disaffected groups.With some notable exceptions, the party is getting better at handling unrest.

The Economist

Gyaincain is in charge of "maintaining stability", the party's catchphrase for policing, surveillance and other efforts aimed at quashing unrest.

The Guardian

express his concern at the unrest.

BBC

One interior ministry official said there were suspicions the abduction was faked as part of an attempt at provoking unrest.

BBC

Minerva projects have also looked at civil unrest likely to emerge due to climate change.

Vice

There are 180,000 Syrians in Turkey, but the United Nations's refugee agency recently criticized Turkey for sending home at least 130 refugees after unrest at a refugee camp.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at unrest" to describe a situation where there is underlying tension or potential for disruption, but not necessarily active conflict. It suggests a simmering unease.

Common error

Avoid using "at unrest" to describe situations already involving violence or open conflict. It's more appropriate for describing the prelude to such events or underlying instability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at unrest" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, describing a state of disturbance or agitation. As Ludwig AI explains, it depicts a condition of instability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at unrest" describes a state of disturbance or agitation, often suggesting underlying tension or potential for disruption. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, although its usage is relatively rare. Predominantly found in news, scientific, and academic contexts, it conveys a neutral tone suitable for serious discussions. When using "at unrest", it's essential to ensure the context accurately reflects underlying unease rather than active conflict. Alternatives like "in turmoil" or "in agitation" may be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a state of disturbance

A more general term indicating disruption and lack of peace or quiet.

in a state of turbulence

Suggests instability and unpredictable change, often in a metaphorical sense.

in turmoil

Implies a state of great disturbance, confusion, or uncertainty, suggesting a more chaotic situation than "at unrest".

in a state of upheaval

Implies a significant disruption or change, often involving social or political instability.

in a state of agitation

Focuses on the emotional or psychological aspect of disturbance, highlighting anxiety or excitement.

in a state of ferment

Suggests a bubbling, restless state of development or excitement, often leading to change.

in disarray

Suggests a lack of order or organization, often implying a breakdown of structure.

in a state of commotion

Emphasizes noisy activity and confusion, often involving multiple people or events.

in a state of discord

Highlights disagreement and lack of harmony, often between individuals or groups.

in a state of excitement

Focuses on positive anticipation or heightened emotion, though it can sometimes border on unease.

FAQs

How can I use "at unrest" in a sentence?

You can use "at unrest" to describe a condition of disturbance or agitation, for instance, "The population was "at unrest" due to the new economic policies".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "at unrest"?

Alternatives include "in turmoil", "in agitation", or "in disturbance", which convey similar meanings depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the city is at unrest"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase "at unrest" is used to describe a state or condition, so saying "the city is "at unrest"" is acceptable.

What's the difference between "at unrest" and "in chaos"?

"At unrest" suggests a latent or brewing disturbance, while "in chaos" indicates a state of complete disorder and confusion. The phrase "at unrest" points to the potential for things to devolve into a state of chaos.