sense of squeamishness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sense of squeamishness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a feeling of discomfort or unease, often in response to something unpleasant or disturbing. Example: "She had a strong sense of squeamishness when it came to watching horror movies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

America's sense of squeamishness?

Independent

But you lose all sense of squeamishness when you need a lump of tissue to survive.

The Guardian

In real estate offices around New Jersey, the same sense of squeamishness about taking credit for trying to help, or benefiting from the tragedy, was expressed.

The New York Times

Damp doesn't inspire the same sense of squeamishness in so many people.

Huffington Post

Snicket displays an amazing aversion to macabre elements, but also gives off a sense of squeamishness with passages like the above excerpt.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Burley's sense of priorities owes less to squeamishness than it does to a realistic view of Scotland's chances away to a Dutch side ranked third in the world behind Spain and Germany.

The Guardian - Sport

He was also a man whose sense of propriety was sometimes indistinguishable from squeamishness.

The New Yorker

That's a lot of dosh for the sake of a few moments of squeamishness over a bit of paper.

Independent

Putting aside the plot hole (Havana hires a personal assistant and doesn't Google her?), Cronenberg is the director of physical squeamishness, of pushing past squeamishness and into the deep psychological waters that the surface of squeamishness conceals, of the mental side of the body.

The New Yorker

To Inglewood's mind, British governments over the years, regardless of political persuasion, were guilty of "squeamishness".

The New York Times - Magazine

In the end, after more than three hours, our effort of attention becomes so intense that we are cleansed of squeamishness and fear.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's reaction to a disturbing scene, use "sense of squeamishness" to convey their internal discomfort without resorting to overly graphic descriptions.

Common error

Avoid replacing "sense of squeamishness" with excessively strong terms like "horror" or "terror" when a milder feeling of discomfort is more accurate. Squeamishness implies a specific type of unease, not necessarily extreme fear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sense of squeamishness" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a specific feeling or sensation. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through examples where the phrase conveys a feeling of unease or discomfort.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sense of squeamishness" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to express a feeling of discomfort or unease, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While not highly frequent, it appears in reliable sources and is suitable for neutral to slightly formal contexts. Key alternatives include "feeling of unease" and "aversion". When writing, avoid replacing it with overly dramatic terms and consider the context to choose the most appropriate expression. This term is most commonly found in news media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feeling of revulsion

Focuses on a strong feeling of disgust or repugnance.

feeling of unease

Emphasizes a lack of comfort or security.

sense of discomfort

Highlights a general feeling of physical or mental unease.

aversion

A general dislike or unwillingness, without necessarily implying fear.

disinclination

A lack of willingness or enthusiasm to do something.

repugnance

Highlights intense disgust or aversion.

hesitation

Implies a delay or reluctance before doing something.

reluctance

Indicates an unwillingness or disinclination.

queasiness

Specifically relates to nausea or a feeling of sickness.

a delicate sensibility

Focuses on a sensitivity to unpleasant things or situations.

FAQs

How can I use "sense of squeamishness" in a sentence?

You can use "sense of squeamishness" to describe a feeling of discomfort or unease when encountering something unpleasant. For example: "She felt a "sense of squeamishness" when watching the surgery scene."

What's a good substitute for "sense of squeamishness"?

Alternatives include "feeling of unease", "sense of discomfort", or "feeling of revulsion", depending on the intensity and specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "sense of squeamishness" in formal writing?

Yes, "sense of squeamishness" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a clear and accurate way to describe a particular feeling. However, consider the specific context and choose the most precise and impactful phrasing. You could also use "aversion" as a more formal alternative.

What kind of situations typically evoke a "sense of squeamishness"?

"Sense of squeamishness" is often evoked by situations involving blood, gore, medical procedures, or anything considered unpleasant or disgusting. It's a feeling of mild aversion rather than intense fear. You might also experience a "feeling of unease" in such situations.