lingering unease

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lingering unease" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a persistent feeling of discomfort or anxiety that remains over time. Example: "Despite the reassurances from the team, there was a lingering unease about the project's direction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

In Europe, however, Rapinoe senses a lingering unease.

The New York Times - Sports

But Ms. Mabapa is keenly aware of the lingering unease between blacks and whites.

The New York Times

To him, this advertiser tentativeness reflects a lingering "unease and awkwardness that exists in society on race relations".

The New York Times

The other is a lingering unease over the depth of the administration's commitment to the Middle East.

The New York Times

STILL, bulletproof as it is, the recession excuse can lead to a lingering unease for those on the receiving end.

The New York Times

Most of the SWAT-team members viewed Iraq's national armed forces with lingering unease, if not distrust.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

But she still admits to a lingering sense of unease.

The New York Times - Books

But there remain lingering currents of unease, not least around the question of who is watching.

The Guardian

Yet in any climate, unsolved high-profile crimes can give the public a lingering sense of unease.

The New York Times

No, it's a fireworks display – though the gut reaction it provokes leaves a lingering feeling of unease.

The Guardian - Arts

At the Cocos Beach hotel, the cottage used by the couple was cordoned off and there was a lingering sense of unease among remaining guests.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lingering unease", ensure the context clearly establishes the source or cause of the feeling. This provides a more comprehensive understanding for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "lingering unease" when a stronger term like "fear" or "anxiety" is more appropriate. "Lingering unease" suggests a mild, persistent discomfort, not an overwhelming emotion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lingering unease" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "lingering" modifies the noun "unease". It describes a specific kind of feeling. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lingering unease" describes a persistent feeling of discomfort or anxiety, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is a common phrase found in news articles, academic papers and general media. Grammatically correct, "lingering unease" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "lingering" modifies the noun "unease". Related phrases include "persisting anxiety" and "remaining disquiet". When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly establishes the source of the feeling to provide clarity for the reader.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ongoing uneasiness

This alternative directly replaces "lingering" with "ongoing", maintaining a similar meaning, while keeping the term "uneasiness".

persisting anxiety

This alternative replaces "unease" with "anxiety" and "lingering" with "persisting", focusing more on the emotional aspect.

residual anxiety

Substituting "lingering" with "residual" implies that the anxiety is a leftover effect from a previous event or situation.

remaining disquiet

This option uses "disquiet" instead of "unease", suggesting a more profound level of disturbance, while "remaining" replaces "lingering" for a change in emphasis.

enduring apprehension

This alternative substitutes "unease" with "apprehension", highlighting a sense of fear or worry about the future, and "lingering" with "enduring", indicating a continuing state.

unresolved anxiety

This option uses "anxiety" instead of "unease" and highlights that the feeling is "unresolved" meaning it has not diminished with time.

abiding sense of unease

This alternative uses the stronger term "abiding sense" instead of "lingering", emphasizing the persistent and unwavering nature of the unease.

persistent disquietude

Using "disquietude" offers a more formal synonym for "unease", while "persistent" replaces "lingering", keeping the sense of continuation.

nagging feeling of unease

Using "nagging feeling" emphasizes the bothersome and persistent nature of the unease, highlighting its intrusive quality.

chronic discomfort

This alternative replaces "unease" with "discomfort", focusing on a general feeling of unease and substituting "lingering" with "chronic" to highlight its long-lasting nature.

FAQs

What does "lingering unease" mean?

"Lingering unease" refers to a persistent feeling of discomfort, anxiety, or apprehension that remains even after the initial cause may have subsided. It suggests a subtle but constant state of worry.

How can I use "lingering unease" in a sentence?

You can use "lingering unease" to describe a feeling that remains after an event. For example, "Despite the positive news, a "lingering unease" remained about the company's future."

What can I say instead of "lingering unease"?

You can use alternatives like "persisting anxiety", "remaining disquiet", or "enduring apprehension" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "lingering unease" a formal or informal expression?

"Lingering unease" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. It is often found in news articles and academic papers, as well as in everyday conversation.