uneasy thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "uneasy thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that causes discomfort or anxiety. Example: "The uneasy thing about the situation was the uncertainty of the outcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It's a very ambiguous, uneasy thing, having the British cake and eating it, as it were".

The Guardian - Books

It was always going to be an uneasy thing to pull off, a comedy-thriller – there's a long and ignoble history of failures in that genre – but earlier Corden and co-writer Mathew Baynton managed it, and last week they didn't, not so much.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Anniversaries are uneasy things.

The New Yorker

Tom Eccles, the curator for Art CommissionsGI, says "there is something quite beautiful about this rather uneasy, uncanny thing sitting here with objects strewn around it". Cabin might inspire thoughts of "Walden's cabin in the woods, but there is something weird about it, too", says Eccles.

The Guardian - Arts

It was an uneasy but exciting thing, piling my plate high with non-kosher foods before the entire family.

The New Yorker

Even then, I was uneasy with the things being said.

The Guardian - Music

If that cause disquiet for New York, they had other reasons to feel slightly uneasy about how things were going in their own half of the field, especially at the heart of defense.

The Guardian - Sport

In the aftermath of his arrest and the preparations for another trial, they say, there are only more questions than ever about the honesty and mental stability of a man who was never at home – and left things uneasy on purpose.

The Guardian

Good People, an uneasy remembrance of things past, is a quiet, understated triumph.

Huffington Post

It creates distance (spouse would stop confiding), it pushes people away (your teenager will not communicate with you), it stops people from understanding your point (argument will lead nowhere), it exaggerates the negativity in a degree disproportionate to the trigger (you could feel uneasy about the things you said after your anger goes down), and it destroys any sense of safety.

Huffington Post

Nevertheless, Truman was uneasy about the whole thing.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "uneasy thing" to describe situations or concepts that create a sense of mild anxiety or discomfort. For stronger feelings, consider alternatives like "disturbing" or "troubling".

Common error

Avoid using "uneasy thing" when describing situations that evoke strong fear or trauma. The phrase is best suited for mild discomfort or uncertainty; stronger emotions require more impactful vocabulary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "uneasy thing" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "uneasy" modifies the noun "thing". As seen in Ludwig's examples, it is used to describe something that causes a feeling of discomfort, anxiety, or uncertainty.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "uneasy thing" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe something that evokes a sense of discomfort or mild anxiety. According to Ludwig, while not extremely common, its usage is correct and appears in credible sources like The Guardian and The New Yorker. It's best employed in neutral to slightly informal contexts to express subjective feelings of disquiet, and it should be distinguished from stronger terms when more intense emotions are involved. Consider alternatives such as "unsettling matter" or "troubling issue" for variety and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unsettling matter

Focuses on the disturbance or unease the matter causes.

troubling issue

Highlights the problematic nature of the issue.

disturbing aspect

Emphasizes the disturbing nature of a particular element.

disquieting element

Emphasizes the element that creates anxiety.

concerning situation

Highlights worry and concern.

worrisome development

Focuses on the anxiety caused by an unfolding event.

awkward situation

Describes a social situation that is uncomfortable.

precarious situation

Focuses on the instability and risk involved.

tenuous circumstance

Highlights the fragile nature of the situation.

uncertain predicament

Emphasizes the lack of clarity and potential danger.

FAQs

How can I use "uneasy thing" in a sentence?

You can use "uneasy thing" to describe something that causes a feeling of discomfort or anxiety. For example, "The "uneasy thing" about the situation was the uncertainty of the outcome."

What are some alternatives to "uneasy thing"?

Some alternatives include "unsettling matter", "troubling issue", or "disturbing aspect". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "uneasy thing" formal or informal?

"Uneasy thing" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's more common in neutral or slightly informal settings. Consider the tone of your writing when deciding whether to use it.

What makes "uneasy thing" different from "difficult thing"?

"Uneasy thing" implies a feeling of discomfort or anxiety, while "difficult thing" simply suggests something challenging or hard to do. They describe different qualities of the situation.