getting really uncomfortable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "getting really uncomfortable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or feeling where someone is experiencing increasing discomfort or unease. Example: "As the conversation progressed, I could feel the atmosphere getting really uncomfortable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

I was getting really uncomfortable.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Even if you use masks, the smell gets really uncomfortable.

The New York Times

When I went to university, things got really uncomfortable.

The Guardian - Film

Q. Like? A. I'll start off with, "How smart are you?" People get really uncomfortable.

The New York Times

All the shots I got uncomfortable on, I just said, "I'm going to get really uncomfortable and make it feel as bad as it possibly could,' I striped it.

The New York Times

"NIH gets really uncomfortable with models that haven't been vetted in the same way as mouse models".

Science Magazine

Some people get really uncomfortable when talking about salary, so Glassdoor has released a new tool to help people better determine their worth in compensation.

TechCrunch

Entrepreneurship is an opportunity, Younger says, "to get really uncomfortable and learn about how the stuff that I am good at in academia holds up" in a very different context.

Science Magazine

I get really uncomfortable, too.

Huffington Post

But halfway through, things started to get really uncomfortable.

Vice

Once we reached the roof things got really uncomfortable.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "getting really uncomfortable" to describe a situation where the level of discomfort is noticeably increasing. It conveys a sense of escalating unease, suitable for both physical and emotional contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "really" if it doesn't significantly intensify the feeling of discomfort. Sometimes, "getting uncomfortable" is sufficient and more impactful. Overuse can dilute the phrase's meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "getting really uncomfortable" functions as a predicate adjective phrase, describing a state of increasing discomfort. Ludwig examples show it used to express both physical and emotional unease. It modifies the subject, indicating a change in their condition.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science & Research

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "getting really uncomfortable" effectively conveys an escalating feeling of unease or discomfort, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news and media, as well as scientific and wiki contexts. While versatile, it’s essential to ensure the use of "really" adds meaningful intensity. For formal settings, consider more precise alternatives like "becoming increasingly distressed". Overall, "getting really uncomfortable" is a reliable way to express increasing discomfort across various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

becoming increasingly uneasy

Focuses on the escalating feeling of unease rather than specific discomfort.

starting to feel awkward

Highlights the growing sense of social discomfort.

feeling more and more uneasy

Emphasizes the progressive nature of the discomfort.

growing increasingly anxious

Shifts the focus to rising anxiety levels.

becoming progressively distressed

Indicates a gradual increase in emotional distress.

beginning to feel ill at ease

Highlights the initial stage of feeling uncomfortable.

feeling increasingly out of place

Focuses on the feeling of not belonging or fitting in.

becoming more and more agitated

Highlights the rising level of agitation and unease.

beginning to feel edgy

Emphasizes the nervous and tense feeling.

feeling increasingly stressed

Highlights the escalating feeling of stress and pressure.

FAQs

How can I use "getting really uncomfortable" in a sentence?

You can use "getting really uncomfortable" to describe an escalating feeling of unease or physical discomfort. For example: "As the meeting continued, I started "getting really uncomfortable" with the personal questions."

What's a less intense way to say "getting really uncomfortable"?

If you want to express a milder feeling of discomfort, you could say "becoming slightly uneasy" or "starting to feel awkward".

What are some situations where someone might "get really uncomfortable"?

People might "get really uncomfortable" in situations involving conflict, personal questions, or when physical conditions are unpleasant, such as extreme heat or cramped spaces.

Is it appropriate to use "getting really uncomfortable" in formal writing?

While "getting really uncomfortable" is widely understood, it might be more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise language to describe the specific type and degree of discomfort, such as "becoming increasingly distressed" or "feeling more and more uneasy".