unease

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "unease" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this word to describe a feeling of uneasiness or anxiety. For example, "She felt an unease as she entered the dark room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Alexander made clear the Liberal Democrats' deep unease at the prime minister's plan when he warned of the dangers posed by those who "put anti-European ideology ahead of our national interest".

The Guardian

By owning your own property, you get a say in planning law too �� your objection to that new tower block counts for far more than the indirect, dissipated unease of all the people hunting desperately for somewhere affordable in the vague vicinity of their work.

The Guardian - Opinion

But scratch the surface a little and there is a growing sense of unease.

The Guardian

"My sense of unease, my concern about what was going on within Eric Roozendaal's office to do with Buildev, and Nathan Tinkler, was significant".

The Guardian

Although there is considerable unease among some Malaysians about the agendas of different components in the alliance, Anwar's coalition promises reform and offers Malaysians the hope of greater ethnic inclusion and cleaner government.

The Guardian - Opinion

On a day of Labour unease about the scale, cost and grandeur of her funeral, as well as fears it was being exploited for contemporary Tory political gain, Chartres's subtle defence of her ideology, as well as its focus on her as an individual, drew wide-ranging praise from Tory MPs.

The Guardian

They sense growing unease among Tory MPs about the future of the licence fee, but know that many of them are passionate supporters of the World Service as a measure of Britain's influence overseas.

The Guardian

It's actually quite hard to translate this, but it roughly means "unease in France".

The Guardian

Barack Obama called for a renaissance in the shared liberal values that underpin western nations on Wednesday as he announced plans to cut nuclear weapons in a much-anticipated speech in Berlin that also acknowledged unease over privacy and drone strikes.

The Guardian

Roping in a fremdwort (foreign word) to name an activity can sometimes betray a sense of unease, and Demontage is probably a good example of that: taking pleasure in someone's (symbolic) dismemberment sounds a little less problematic in exotic syllables.

The Guardian - Sport

"Yes, I was a mess of anxiety and general unease," he says.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unease" to describe a subtle feeling of anxiety or concern, particularly when the cause is not immediately apparent. It effectively conveys a general sense of disquiet.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "unease" in formal or academic writing. While appropriate, consider using more precise terms like "apprehension", "anxiety", or "concern" to convey specific nuances of the feeling you intend to express.

Linguistic Context

Unease primarily functions as a noun, denoting a state of worry, anxiety, or disquiet. Ludwig AI confirms this, showing its use in various contexts, mainly describing a general feeling of discomfort or apprehension. The examples demonstrate its role in expressing subjective experiences or atmospheric tension.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Opinion

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "unease" functions as a noun to express a general feeling of anxiety, worry, or discomfort. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is versatile enough for many contexts, from news reports to expressing personal sentiments. While generally neutral in register, greater precision might be needed in highly formal settings. Common alternatives include "anxiety", "disquiet", and "apprehension". Using "unease" appropriately involves recognizing its subtle implications and ensuring it aligns with the specific nuance you intend to convey. Avoid overuse in favor of more precise terminology in formal contexts to enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

anxiety

Focuses more on the psychological aspect of worry and apprehension.

disquiet

Implies a loss of peace or tranquility, often due to external factors.

apprehension

Emphasizes anticipation of future problems or negative outcomes.

concern

Highlights worry or interest, often related to specific issues.

misgiving

Suggests a feeling of doubt or distrust about a future event or action.

malaise

Indicates a general feeling of discomfort, illness, or unease whose exact cause is difficult to identify.

nervousness

Focuses on the state of being anxious or agitated.

discomfort

Emphasizes a lack of physical or mental ease.

trepidation

Implies fear or anxiety about what might happen.

restlessness

Highlights an inability to relax or stay still, often linked to anxiety.

FAQs

How can I use "unease" in a sentence?

You can use "unease" to describe a feeling of discomfort or anxiety. For example, "There was a palpable sense of unease in the room before the announcement."

What are some synonyms for "unease"?

Alternatives to "unease" include "anxiety", "disquiet", and "apprehension". The best choice depends on the specific context and the shade of meaning you want to convey.

Is "unease" a formal or informal word?

"Unease" is generally considered a neutral term, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal writing, you might opt for a more precise term depending on the nuance you wish to express.

What's the difference between "unease" and "discomfort"?

"Unease" typically refers to a mental or emotional state of anxiety or worry, while "discomfort" can refer to both physical and mental feelings. You might feel "unease" about a decision, or experience "discomfort" from a hard chair.