ill at ease

USAGE SUMMARY

'ill at ease' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it is to describe a feeling of being uncomfortable or uneasy. For example: She felt ill at ease when she entered the room and saw everyone staring at her.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Supremely ill at ease.

The Guardian

Only Mr. Pol seemed ill at ease.

The New York Times

Of course I felt ill at ease.

Independent

"You'll feel weird, ill at ease, uncomfortable".

The New York Times

Britain looked a little ill at ease.

The Guardian - Sport

The artists felt ill at ease.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

But then the audience cooled... surprised, unhappy, ill-at-ease.

Columbia University

He was nice but a bit ill-at-ease.

The Guardian - Music

She seems ill-at-ease, always looking sidelong at me and asking me if I'm OK.

The Guardian - Opinion

And, suddenly, for perhaps a second or two, Callaghan looked ill-at-ease.

Independent

Republicans today were somewhat ill at ease.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ill at ease" to describe a feeling of discomfort, unease, or anxiety in a specific situation. It often implies a temporary state caused by external factors or social dynamics.

Common error

Avoid using "ill at ease" for extreme cases of anxiety or panic. While it conveys discomfort, it's more suitable for mild to moderate unease. More intense feelings might require terms like "terrified" or "panic-stricken".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ill at ease" functions primarily as an adjective phrase, modifying a subject to describe their state of mind or physical feeling. As Ludwig explains, it describes feeling of being uncomfortable or uneasy.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

3%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ill at ease" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a state of discomfort, unease, or anxiety. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. As demonstrated by the examples, it's frequently found in news and media sources, often depicting someone's reaction to a situation. While generally neutral in register, it's important to consider the intensity of the feeling you wish to convey and avoid using it for extreme cases. Alternatives like "uncomfortable" or "anxious" may be more appropriate in certain contexts. Remember to use this expression to describe those moments when social situations or other factors create a sense of temporary and readily identifiable unease.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

uncomfortable

Direct synonym, conveying a general sense of physical or mental discomfort.

uneasy

Similar to "ill at ease", suggesting a lack of peace or security.

anxious

Focuses specifically on feelings of worry or nervousness.

restless

Implies an inability to relax or stay still, often due to anxiety.

apprehensive

Suggests a feeling of dread or anticipation of something negative.

on edge

Describes a state of heightened alertness and anxiety.

out of sorts

Indicates a general feeling of being unwell or not quite right.

disconcerted

Suggests a feeling of confusion or disruption of one's composure.

perturbed

Implies a feeling of mild disturbance or annoyance.

disquieted

Similar to perturbed but often with a slightly stronger emphasis on anxiety.

FAQs

How can I use "ill at ease" in a sentence?

You can use "ill at ease" to describe someone's feelings of discomfort or unease in a particular situation. For example, "She felt "ill at ease" during the formal dinner."

What are some synonyms for "ill at ease"?

Alternatives to "ill at ease" include "uncomfortable", "uneasy", or "anxious". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I feel ill at ease"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "I feel "ill at ease"". It's a common and accepted way to express a feeling of discomfort or unease.

What's the difference between "ill at ease" and "uncomfortable"?

While both "ill at ease" and "uncomfortable" describe a lack of comfort, "ill at ease" often implies a social or psychological discomfort, whereas "uncomfortable" can also refer to physical discomfort.