uncomfortable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "uncomfortable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a feeling of unease or discomfort in various contexts, such as physical sensations or emotional situations. Example: "I felt uncomfortable during the meeting when the topic of layoffs was brought up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The relationship made it uncomfortable for the US and EU to speak out about human rights abuses in Uzbekistan.

The Guardian

My interpretation is that this is difficult and uncomfortable for them.

The Guardian - Tech

Carswell, whose father, Wilson, was one of the first doctors to identify HIV/Aids in Uganda in the 1980s, also made it clear that he was not at ease with the declaration by Farage that he felt uncomfortable when he could not hear English being spoken on a commuter train.

The Guardian

I went to the appointment, which was uncomfortable, as he inserted a camera up my vagina.

The Guardian

"Al-Jazeera has been providing some material that has been very uncomfortable," Gowing said at News World.

The Guardian

Seemingly our MPs don't feel so "uncomfortable" about profit-making happening on the backs of other countries' kids So why, then, has Justine Greening, the secretary of state for international development, given speeches bigging up the for-profit international schools and handed out cash to them?

The Guardian

But I was also beginning to remember why I'd resisted the idea of meditation for so many years: it was difficult, dull and uncomfortable.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And it was an interesting conversation, if uncomfortable.

The Guardian

Pope Francis is shortly to publish his encyclical on the environment, which could make uncomfortable reading for many in the oil and gas industry.

The Guardian - Business

And it is the significance of clothing in relation to a specific culture that makes me uncomfortable with the casual adoption of traditional attire for "an occasion".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It may make us uncomfortable that superficial impressions are so fundamental in forming opinion, but such impressions are deep in our subconscious.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "uncomfortable" to describe a situation, be specific about the source of the discomfort, whether it's physical, emotional, or social. For example, "The silence in the room was uncomfortable" provides more context than simply saying "I felt uncomfortable".

Common error

Avoid using "uncomfortable" without specifying what is causing the feeling. Vague statements like "That made me uncomfortable" can leave the listener or reader guessing. Instead, provide details: "His direct questions about my personal life made me uncomfortable".

Linguistic Context

The adjective "uncomfortable" primarily functions as a descriptive word, modifying nouns to indicate a state of physical or emotional unease. Ludwig AI examples show it describing chairs, situations, and feelings, demonstrating its versatility. As the Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Lifestyle

15%

Sport

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "uncomfortable" is a very common adjective used to express physical discomfort, emotional unease, or social awkwardness. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and versatile, appearing frequently in news and media, lifestyle content, and sports reporting. When using "uncomfortable", be specific about the source of the feeling to ensure clarity. Consider alternatives like "uneasy" or ""awkward"" to fine-tune your message. Ludwig’s examples highlight the diverse contexts in which "uncomfortable" can be effectively employed, making it a valuable addition to your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not comfortable

A direct synonym, highlighting the lack of physical or emotional comfort.

uneasy

Focuses on a feeling of apprehension or anxiety.

ill at ease

Indicates a feeling of anxiety or unease, focusing on emotional discomfort rather than physical.

awkward

Emphasizes a socially clumsy or embarrassing situation.

suffering discomfort

Explicitly states the experience of physical or emotional discomfort.

disconcerted

Suggests a feeling of being unsettled or disturbed.

out of place

Indicates a feeling of not belonging or fitting in.

disturbed

Suggests an emotional or mental feeling of being troubled.

inconvenienced

Highlights the disruption or trouble caused to someone.

restless

Implies an inability to stay still or be content, often due to anxiety.

FAQs

How can I use "uncomfortable" in a sentence?

You can use "uncomfortable" to describe physical sensations (e.g., "The chair was "not comfortable""), emotional states (e.g., "I felt "ill at ease" during the meeting"), or social situations (e.g., "The silence was "awkward"").

What words can I use instead of "uncomfortable"?

Alternatives to "uncomfortable" include "uneasy", ""awkward"", ""ill at ease"", or "disturbed", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "I am uncomfortable" or "I feel uncomfortable"?

Both "I am uncomfortable" and "I feel uncomfortable" are grammatically correct and commonly used. "I feel uncomfortable" might be preferred when emphasizing the subjective experience of discomfort, whereas "I am uncomfortable" is a more direct statement of your state.

When is it appropriate to use "uncomfortable" in professional writing?

"Uncomfortable" can be used in professional writing when describing situations that cause unease or concern (e.g., "The ethical implications of this decision make me "ill at ease""). However, consider the tone and audience, and ensure it doesn't come across as overly emotional or unprofessional.