filled with unease

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "filled with unease" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of discomfort or anxiety about a situation or event. Example: "As she walked into the darkened room, she was filled with unease, sensing that something was not right."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Mr. Kukreti said Saturday that after the ritual evening prayer last Sunday, he had been filled with unease.

The New York Times

So why am I filled with unease?

Huffington Post

When I care for these individuals, I'm filled with unease because an initial episode of violence continues to wreck havoc on the body.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

No previous book, at least, has filled me with unease the way "Fever Dream" did.

The New Yorker

Portraying someone who had recently been convicted of a notorious murder was one thing, but eavesdropping on the actual events filled me with unease.

The Guardian

Reviewing it for the Sunday Times, Eleanor Mills was filled with a sense of unease.

The Guardian - Books

Seven Songs is filled with an atmosphere of unease, threat, anxiety and premonition.

The Guardian - Film

Though Tom feels he is making progress with Danny, he is increasingly filled with a sense of unease.

The New York Times - Books

Stefan Brand was his great performance – filled with ­self-hatred and unease – but I'm sure in 1948 he guessed he would be hardly noticed next to Fontaine.

The Guardian - Film

That said, I am filled with a sense of unease and embarrassment because we are currently experiencing a parallel situation in the United States.

Huffington Post

These facts fill me with unease.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "filled with unease" when you want to convey a strong feeling of discomfort or anxiety, often stemming from an uncertain or threatening situation. It emphasizes the intensity and pervasiveness of the feeling.

Common error

Avoid using "filled with unease" excessively in passive constructions. Instead of "The room was filled with unease", consider "I felt unease fill the room" for a more direct and impactful sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "filled with unease" functions as a descriptive modifier, often used to depict a character's emotional state or the atmosphere of a scene. It indicates a sense of disquiet or apprehension, suggesting that something is amiss. Ludwig examples support this.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

8%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "filled with unease" is a grammatically sound and semantically rich expression used to describe a state of anxiety, discomfort, or apprehension. As confirmed by Ludwig, it effectively conveys a strong feeling of disquiet, often stemming from uncertain or threatening situations. While the expression isn't exceptionally common, it appears in reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian, lending it credibility. When writing, consider the intensity and pervasiveness you wish to convey, and choose synonyms such as "overcome with anxiety" or "consumed by apprehension" if a stronger or more specific emotion is intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overcome with anxiety

This alternative suggests a higher level of anxiety than the original phrase.

consumed by apprehension

This alternative emphasizes a sense of dread or foreboding.

fraught with anxiety

This alternative highlights the presence of anxiety as a dominant characteristic.

permeated with disquiet

This alternative suggests a pervasive feeling of unease affecting the overall atmosphere.

suffused with apprehension

This alternative conveys a sense of being saturated or overwhelmed by anxious feelings.

ridden with anxiety

This alternative suggests a state plagued or burdened by anxiety.

seized by a feeling of unease

This alternative suggests a sudden, acute onset of unease.

gripped by apprehension

This alternative highlights the controlling or restraining nature of the feeling.

experiencing a sense of disquiet

This alternative is more descriptive and less intense.

feeling apprehensive

This alternative is a simpler, more direct way to express the sentiment.

FAQs

What does "filled with unease" mean?

The phrase "filled with unease" describes a state of being overwhelmed by a feeling of anxiety, discomfort, or apprehension. It suggests a strong sense that something is not right or that a negative event may occur.

How can I use "filled with unease" in a sentence?

You can use "filled with unease" to describe a character's feelings in a story, your own emotions in a personal essay, or the atmosphere of a place. For example: "As she walked into the darkened room, she was filled with unease."

What can I say instead of "filled with unease"?

You can use alternatives like "overcome with anxiety", "consumed by apprehension", or "fraught with anxiety" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "filled with unease" formal or informal?

"Filled with unease" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It's more descriptive than a simple statement like "I felt uneasy", but it's not overly technical or jargonistic. It's mostly used in "narrative writing" or descriptive contexts.