feeling uncomfortable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feeling uncomfortable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a physical or emotional feeling. Example sentence: I was feeling uncomfortable around the new people at the party.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Yes," I said, feeling uncomfortable.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I can sense that you're feeling uncomfortable right now.

The New Yorker

"He's more comfortable with other people feeling uncomfortable with the film than with him feeling uncomfortable with it".

The New Yorker

Davies admitted feeling uncomfortable in South Africa in 1968.

The Guardian - Sport

I suspect I wasn't the only one feeling uncomfortable, though.

The Guardian - Arts

"I was more worried about him feeling uncomfortable about it".

The New York Times

Even some prizewinners admit to feeling uncomfortable about their awards.

The New York Times - Arts

Rather than feeling uncomfortable, it felt relaxed and fun.

The Guardian - Travel

They stood in the toothpaste-Band-Aid aisle feeling uncomfortable.

The New Yorker

In her remedial class, they start off feeling uncomfortable asking questions.

The New York Times

"We don't want it to be like airport security or have guys feeling uncomfortable," Beatty added.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing emotional states, be specific about the source of the discomfort. Instead of saying "I'm feeling uncomfortable", try "I'm feeling uncomfortable with the silence".

Common error

Avoid using "feeling uncomfortable" as a catch-all phrase for various negative emotions. Differentiate between discomfort, anxiety, and unease by choosing more precise language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feeling uncomfortable" primarily functions as a subjective descriptor, indicating a personal sensation of unease, either physical or emotional. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's a correct and usable expression. The phrase describes a state of being, linking the subject to a feeling of discomfort, as illustrated by the examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feeling uncomfortable" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a sense of unease, whether physical or emotional. Ludwig's analysis confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. Its usage spans from News & Media and Science to more informal settings like wikis, indicating a broad acceptance and understanding. While it's a versatile phrase, being specific about the source of discomfort and choosing more precise language can enhance clarity. With numerous examples available, Ludwig showcases the phrase's widespread application in expressing personal experiences and states of being.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feeling uneasy

Expresses a similar sense of mild anxiety or restlessness.

feeling awkward

Indicates a sense of social discomfort or clumsiness in a situation.

feeling self-conscious

Highlights awareness of oneself and concern about others' opinions.

feeling out of place

Suggests a sense of not belonging or fitting in with the surroundings.

feeling ill at ease

A more formal way of saying uncomfortable, often in social situations.

feeling apprehensive

Implies a sense of anxiety or fear about something that might happen.

feeling disturbed

Suggests a deeper sense of unease, often due to something unsettling.

feeling distress

Indicates significant emotional or physical suffering.

experiencing discomfort

A more clinical or detached way of describing physical or emotional unease.

being in distress

Similar to 'feeling distress', but emphasizes the state of being.

FAQs

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

You can use "feeling uncomfortable" to describe a state of physical or emotional unease. For example, "I was "feeling uncomfortable" during the meeting because of the heated discussion".

What's the difference between "feeling uncomfortable" and "feeling uneasy"?

"Feeling uncomfortable" generally refers to a broader sense of unease, while "feeling uneasy" often implies a sense of anxiety or apprehension about a specific situation.

What are some alternatives to "feeling uncomfortable"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "feeling awkward", "feeling self conscious", or "feeling out of place" to convey different nuances of discomfort.

Is it grammatically correct to say "feeling uncomfortable"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Feeling" acts as a gerund functioning as an adjective, modifying the subject and describing their state. The phrase is commonly used and widely accepted in English.