in an uncomfortable position

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in an uncomfortable position" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone feels uneasy or is facing a difficult circumstance. Example: "After the unexpected announcement, she found herself in an uncomfortable position, unsure of how to respond."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ofqual is in an "uncomfortable" position.

The Guardian

The European Court's decision placed Google in an uncomfortable position.

The New Yorker

Boone, 30, found himself in an uncomfortable position in Cincinnati.

The New York Times - Sports

"The big food companies found themselves in an uncomfortable position after Prop.

The New York Times

In states like Missouri, coolness toward Hillary Clinton puts many Democrats in an uncomfortable position.

The New Yorker

The charges have placed Mr. Dolce and Mr. Gabbana in an uncomfortable position.

The New York Times

This puts Currin, whose images suggest misogyny, in an uncomfortable position that suits him well.

The New Yorker

This puts German authorities in an uncomfortable position, which may inspire a new retroactive law.

The Economist

Mr. Siewert's courtship has put Mr. van Praag in an uncomfortable position internally.

The New York Times

The habit has put the country in an uncomfortable position just now.

The Economist

As it happens, they were Dutch, and that places the Netherlands in an uncomfortable position.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in an uncomfortable position", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. Is it about physical discomfort, emotional unease, or strategic disadvantage? Choose synonyms or related phrases to fine-tune the meaning.

Common error

While "in an uncomfortable position" is versatile, avoid using it excessively in very informal settings. Simpler expressions like "awkward" or "difficult" might be more appropriate for casual conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in an uncomfortable position" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, describing the state or situation of the subject. As demonstrated by Ludwig, this phrase is commonly used to express that someone or something is facing a difficult or awkward circumstance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Social Media

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in an uncomfortable position" is a versatile phrase used to describe a state of unease, difficulty, or disadvantage. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and very common in a variety of contexts, particularly in News & Media. While appropriate for both formal and informal writing, consider the specific nuance you want to convey and choose synonyms when needed. Avoid overuse in very informal settings. The phrase functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun, conveying that the subject is experiencing a challenging or awkward circumstance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a difficult situation

Replaces 'uncomfortable' with 'difficult', focusing on the challenging nature of the situation.

in a precarious situation

Emphasizes the instability and potential danger of the position.

in a compromising situation

Highlights that the position might damage someone's reputation or principles.

in a vulnerable position

Focuses on the lack of protection or defense.

in a tight spot

An idiomatic expression denoting a difficult or troublesome situation.

in a bind

Similar to 'tight spot', implying a situation where escape is difficult.

between a rock and a hard place

An idiom that means facing two equally unpleasant alternatives.

with their back against the wall

Implies being cornered or forced into a defensive stance.

in dire straits

Suggests a situation of extreme difficulty or distress.

on the horns of a dilemma

Indicates a situation with two equally undesirable options.

FAQs

How can I use "in an uncomfortable position" in a sentence?

You can use "in an uncomfortable position" to describe someone facing a challenging or awkward situation. For example, "The unexpected question put her "in an uncomfortable position" during the interview".

What are some alternatives to "in an uncomfortable position"?

Alternatives include phrases like "in a difficult situation", "in a tight spot", or "in a precarious situation", depending on the specific context.

Is "in an awkward position" the same as "in an uncomfortable position"?

While similar, "in an awkward position" often refers to social discomfort or clumsiness, whereas "in an uncomfortable position" can also imply strategic disadvantage or physical unease. Thus, "in an awkward position" might be more appropriate for a social gaffe, while "in an uncomfortable position" could describe a company facing financial strain.

When is it appropriate to use "in an uncomfortable position" in writing?

It's appropriate in both formal and informal writing to describe a state of unease, difficulty, or disadvantage. However, consider the audience and context; simpler terms might be preferable in very casual settings. More formal synonyms might be helpful in academic or legal writing.