trigger unease

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trigger unease" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when describing a situation, action, or statement that causes discomfort or anxiety. For example, "The sudden change in plans triggered unease among the team members." Alternative expressions include "cause discomfort" and "instigate anxiety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The significant upgrade in US military planning in Europe could trigger unease in Berlin, Paris, Madrid and Rome, sparking worries about militarising the standoff with Putin over Ukraine.

The Guardian

The urban village as a planning concept can also trigger unease if and when it is a recipe for resented redevelopment.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

This behaviour has triggered unease and fear within India, and bemusement and mockery outside.

The Guardian - Opinion

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Vice

There's nothing a privileged readership likes more than stories about the ridiculous poor (as long as they're exotic enough to trigger no unease); their antics and pretensions, their cowardice and inability to tell the truth.

The Guardian - Books

The entry of Mr. Carrión, who has a borough-wide base and fund-raising strength, has triggered both unease and excitement among the other candidates.

The New York Times

The refunds — three times the amount typically returned — have triggered deep unease among city budget officials, who are already struggling with weakening revenue and face pressure to slash services and raise taxes.

The New York Times

Soldiers were seen placing sandbags in strategic locations across the capital Banjul, a development that triggered widespread unease among the already-spooked population, who had been panic-buying food before the vote due to fear of unrest.

The Guardian

Concern that more sleeper cells of British doctors are biding their time in Khartoum before heading to Syria have prompted some parents to reportedly withdraw their children from UMST and triggered considerable unease among UK government diplomats and the Sudanese intelligence services.

The Guardian

As she grows older, the unease triggered by her parents' re-alliances is deepened by the fact that she's very attracted to her benign, sophisticated stepmother, who feeds her chocolate eclairs and talks to her about Jasper Johns and "the details on an ­Ingres sleeve".

The New York Times - Books

Interview by Sam Wolfson (6 October) This local TV puff piece [an "awful" documentary piece about Cambridge comedy society Footlights, in which Ayoade appeared alongside a young John Oliver] triggered a permanent unease with appearing in front of camera outside of a clearly demarcated performance.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "trigger unease", ensure the context clearly identifies the cause of the unease. Specify what action, event, or information is prompting the feeling of discomfort or anxiety to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "trigger unease" when a milder reaction is more accurate. Reserve this phrase for situations where the resulting feeling is genuinely one of unease rather than simple disagreement or mild surprise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trigger unease" functions as a verb phrase, where "trigger" acts as a transitive verb causing a state of "unease". According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "trigger unease" is a grammatically correct and usable expression, predominantly found in news and media contexts. Ludwig indicates its purpose is to describe how a specific event or action causes feelings of discomfort or anxiety. While not overly frequent, its usage is consistent with a neutral register. Alternatives such as "cause apprehension" or "spark anxiety" can be used to vary the expression while maintaining a similar meaning. When employing "trigger unease", ensure the context clearly indicates what is causing the feeling of unease to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spark anxiety

Emphasizes the anxiety that arises as a result.

induce anxiety

A more clinical term for causing anxiety.

cause apprehension

Replaces "unease" with a stronger term, suggesting a more significant level of worry.

create discomfort

Focuses on the creation of a feeling of physical or mental discomfort.

instigate worry

Focuses on initiating a state of worry.

generate disquiet

Uses a more formal term, "disquiet", to denote a state of worry or restlessness.

foster concern

Highlights the development of concern as a consequence.

raise concerns

Highlights the act of bringing concerns to the surface.

prompt disquietude

Employs the more literary term "disquietude", enhancing the sense of unease.

arouse suspicion

Indicates the creation of a feeling of distrust or doubt.

FAQs

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

You can use "trigger unease" to describe a situation or event that causes a feeling of anxiety or discomfort. For example, "The sudden announcement "triggered unease" among the employees".

What can I say instead of "trigger unease"?

Alternatives include "cause apprehension", "spark anxiety", or "generate disquiet", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "trigger concern" or "trigger unease"?

The best choice depends on the intensity of the emotion. "Trigger concern" suggests a milder reaction, while "trigger unease" implies a stronger feeling of anxiety or discomfort. Consider the context to choose the most appropriate phrase.

What is the difference between "unease" and "anxiety"?

"Unease" generally refers to a mild feeling of discomfort or restlessness, while "anxiety" suggests a more intense and prolonged state of worry or fear. Therefore, "trigger anxiety" implies a stronger emotional response than "trigger unease".