looking uneasy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "looking uneasy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who appears to be uncomfortable or anxious in a particular situation. Example: "She walked into the room, looking uneasy as she scanned the crowd for a familiar face."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"We sure can, Lou, Kingg said, looking uneasy.

The New Yorker

JAFFE (giving another forced laugh, and looking uneasy): No reason we can't be friendly.

The New Yorker

The goalkeeper was now looking uneasy, and the ball ended up hitting his hand and head before limping over the line; a stranger goal you will not see this season.

Independent

Updated at 1.05pm GMT 1.00pm GMT 34th over: Australia 133-1 (Rogers 61, Doolan 1) Doolan is looking uneasy against both Steyn and Duminy, and plays a couple of vaguely false defensive strokes in Duminy's over.

The Guardian - Sport

'At some point next year, I'll probably be confronted with the question, do I want to stay?' he says, looking uneasy, 'Right now, I can't imagine not coming back to Harvard.

The Guardian - Books

Town started the stronger, however, with the Brentford backline looking uneasy and went ahead when Christophe Berra headed down Richard Chaplow's corner and Murphy turned the ball home.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

The priest looked uneasy.

The New Yorker

Styles still looked uneasy.

The New York Times - Magazine

Dr. Blyer looked uneasy.

The New York Times

Mrs. Kinsella looks uneasy.

The New Yorker

Again, Ryan looked uneasy.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "looking uneasy" to subtly convey a character's internal state without explicitly stating their feelings. This adds depth and allows the reader to interpret the situation more personally.

Common error

Avoid using "looking uneasy" when the context already clearly indicates discomfort or anxiety. For example, describing someone "looking uneasy" while being interrogated might be redundant. Instead, use it in scenarios where the unease is not immediately apparent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looking uneasy" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a noun or pronoun (often implied) to indicate the subject's visible state of discomfort or anxiety. Ludwig examples show various subjects, people and even abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "looking uneasy" effectively describes a visible state of discomfort or anxiety. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable. While not as frequent as some other descriptive phrases, "looking uneasy" is commonly found in news and media, and its subtlety allows writers to convey emotion without being overly explicit. When writing, consider whether you want to convey the external manifestation of unease rather than the internal feeling and avoid using it in contexts where the discomfort is already obvious.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appearing apprehensive

Focuses on the anticipation of something negative, adding a layer of worry.

seeming uncomfortable

Emphasizes physical or emotional discomfort in a situation.

appearing anxious

Highlights a state of nervousness and heightened concern.

looking disturbed

Suggests a deeper level of emotional upset or agitation.

seeming worried

Focuses on concern and potential negative outcomes.

looking strained

Emphasizes the visible tension and effort in maintaining composure.

appearing unsettled

Suggests a lack of stability and peace of mind.

seeming apprehensive

Highlights anticipation of future events with a sense of unease.

looking nervous

Conveys a state of agitation and anxiety.

appearing fretful

Suggests being visibly worried and restless.

FAQs

What does "looking uneasy" mean?

"Looking uneasy" describes someone who appears uncomfortable, anxious, or disturbed. It suggests a visible sense of unease.

How can I use "looking uneasy" in a sentence?

You can use "looking uneasy" to describe someone's demeanor in a situation that makes them uncomfortable. For instance, "He was "looking uneasy" during the presentation".

What are some alternatives to "looking uneasy"?

Alternatives include "appearing anxious", "seeming uncomfortable", or "looking strained", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "looking uneasy" or "feeling uneasy"?

"Looking uneasy" refers to someone's visible expression of unease, while "feeling uneasy" describes an internal emotional state. Choose the phrase that best reflects whether you're describing outward appearance or inner feelings.