palpable unease

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "palpable unease" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a feeling of discomfort or anxiety that is easily perceived or felt in a situation. Example: "As the meeting progressed, a palpable unease settled over the room, making everyone hesitant to speak."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Still, there is a palpable unease when talking about immigration.

The New York Times

And yet there is palpable unease about the case; concern reflected in many of today's newspapers.

The Guardian - Opinion

The housing market looks about to crash, and there is palpable unease about the government's handling of the economy.

The Economist

And the awareness of dangerous shards on the floor of the Chelsea penthouse where this production is performed surely increased the audience's already palpable unease.

The New York Times

For the past several years, there has been a palpable unease in tech circles over what the next big invention might be.

The New Yorker

It instead left a palpable unease that was reflected everywhere in the televised theatrics that surrounded it and in the queasiness that has lingered since.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Sepetys writes these scenes with rawness and palpable emotional unease; most daughters fear they will become like their mothers, but for the daughters of prostitutes the stakes are momentous.

The New York Times - Books

However, there was a palpable sense of unease that more Pakistan players will face similar allegations.

The Guardian - Sport

There was a palpable sense of unease within NPR on Friday about whether there would be more fallout from Mr. Williams's firing.

The New York Times

But new immigrants arrive every day, and there is an almost constant, palpable sense of unease about that in political debate and everyday conversation.

The New York Times

News of the flatmates' decision to call the police only intensified an already palpable atmosphere of unease and suspicion, other women affected by the issue have said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "palpable unease" to create a specific atmosphere in your writing, indicating that the discomfort or anxiety is not only present but also easily perceived by those in the situation. It is effective in setting a mood or describing interpersonal dynamics.

Common error

Avoid using "palpable unease" in situations that are already inherently dramatic or tense. Overusing it can dilute its impact and make your writing seem melodramatic. Reserve it for moments where the discomfort is subtle yet noticeably present.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "palpable unease" functions as a noun phrase, where "palpable" modifies the noun "unease". It describes a state of discomfort or anxiety that is easily perceived or felt. Ludwig AI shows that it's often used to describe an atmosphere or a feeling within a group.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "palpable unease" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a noticeable feeling of discomfort or anxiety. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it commonly appears in news and media contexts, serving to emphasize the intensity of a disquieting atmosphere or situation. While "palpable unease" is perfectly appropriate, writers should be mindful of overuse, particularly in overly dramatic contexts, and consider alternatives like "noticeable anxiety" or "tangible discomfort" to avoid diluting its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Evident unease

Similar to the original phrase, but uses "evident" to emphasize the clarity of the unease.

Noticeable anxiety

Replaces "palpable unease" with a more direct and less nuanced expression of anxiety.

Tangible discomfort

Emphasizes the physical or perceptible nature of the discomfort.

Clear apprehension

Highlights the feeling of fear or worry about the future.

Obvious disquiet

Focuses on the lack of peace or tranquility in a situation.

Perceptible nervousness

Highlights the state of being anxious or agitated, easily noticed by others.

Easily felt tension

Conveys a sense of strain or stress that is readily apparent.

Readily apparent anxiety

Stresses the ease with which the anxiety can be observed.

Marked discomposure

Focuses on the loss of composure or calmness, making it distinct.

A sense of foreboding

Highlights a feeling that something bad is going to happen.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "palpable unease" in a sentence?

Use "palpable unease" to describe a situation where the discomfort or anxiety is almost physically present and easily felt by those involved. For example: "A "palpable unease" filled the room as the CEO announced the company's restructuring plans."

What are some alternatives to "palpable unease"?

You can use alternatives like "noticeable anxiety", "tangible discomfort", or "evident unease" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "palpable sense of unease"?

While "sense of unease" is common, using "palpable" adds emphasis to the perceptibility of that feeling, making it more vivid. Therefore, it's not necessarily redundant if you intend to highlight how easily the unease can be felt or observed.

In what contexts is "palpable unease" most appropriate?

"Palpable unease" is most appropriate in formal or neutral contexts like news reporting, descriptive writing, or academic analyses where you want to convey a sense of tension or discomfort without being overly dramatic. However, avoid using "palpable unease" in informal contexts.