visibly uncomfortable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "visibly uncomfortable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is showing clear signs of discomfort through their body language or facial expressions. Example: "During the meeting, she appeared visibly uncomfortable when the topic of layoffs was brought up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Though visibly uncomfortable, the cast tries hard.

The New York Times

Even some of the most macho traders became visibly uncomfortable.

The Guardian - Business

They say thank you and hurry away, visibly uncomfortable.

The Guardian

"This is one of the floors, isn't it?" She became visibly uncomfortable.

The New Yorker

Unlike Ovechkin, who enjoys the limelight, Crosby is visibly uncomfortable with it.

The New York Times - Magazine

And immigration is an issue that makes all three of them visibly uncomfortable.

The New Yorker

Yet they seemed visibly uncomfortable: hands tucked between their toned thighs, as if bracing for impact.

The New York Times

He was visibly uncomfortable and sweating profusely — even stripping off his trademark hoodie.

The New York Times

She seems visibly uncomfortable when she's asked how she feels about Naima taking to the streets.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The female passengers on either side of the offender were visibly uncomfortable.

The Guardian

At times she was visibly uncomfortable with the show's tendencies toward homogenization, but she wasn't rebelling against the system.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "visibly uncomfortable" to describe a person's outward display of unease, ensuring the context provides a clear reason for their discomfort. This phrase effectively conveys both the internal feeling and its external manifestation.

Common error

Avoid using "visibly uncomfortable" when the discomfort isn't actually visible. If the unease is only inferred and not directly observed through body language or expression, opt for phrases like "likely uncomfortable" or "possibly uneasy" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "visibly uncomfortable" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of being where discomfort is apparent. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which identifies it as correct and usable. Examples show it describing people in various situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "visibly uncomfortable" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjectival phrase that describes a state of unease that is apparent to observers. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, which is primarily found in news and media contexts. Alternative phrases, such as "clearly ill at ease" or "noticeably uneasy", can be used to convey similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. When using the phrase, ensure that the discomfort is genuinely visible and observable, rather than merely inferred. Steer clear of the phrase if the discomfort it is not actually visible.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clearly ill at ease

Focuses on the lack of ease, emphasizing internal discomfort made apparent.

noticeably uneasy

Highlights the noticeable nature of the uneasiness.

apparently distressed

Emphasizes the distress being apparent.

ostensibly awkward

Emphasizes the outward display of awkwardness.

plainly agitated

Stresses visible agitation.

markedly disturbed

Focuses on the obvious disturbance being displayed.

perceptibly tense

Highlights the perceptible tension.

conspicuously apprehensive

Emphasizes the conspicuous nature of apprehension.

patently bothered

Focuses on the obvious state of being bothered.

demonstrably anxious

Highlights the demonstrable anxiety.

FAQs

How can I use "visibly uncomfortable" in a sentence?

You can use "visibly uncomfortable" to describe someone's outward display of unease. For instance, "He became "visibly uncomfortable" when asked about his past."

What are some alternatives to "visibly uncomfortable"?

Alternatives include "clearly ill at ease", "noticeably uneasy", or "apparently distressed", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it redundant to say "visibly uncomfortable"?

While "uncomfortable" implies a feeling, "visibly uncomfortable" emphasizes that the feeling is outwardly apparent, making it not necessarily redundant if you wish to stress the observable aspect of the discomfort.

What's the difference between "visibly uncomfortable" and "slightly uncomfortable"?

"Visibly uncomfortable" suggests a strong, observable unease, while "slightly uncomfortable" indicates a mild level of discomfort that may not be readily apparent.