adjective
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not comfortable
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feeling or causing discomfort or unease; disquieting
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of uncomfortable
First recorded in 1585–95; un- 1 + comfortable
Explanation
If it's very hot or very cold in the room, chances are you are going to feel uncomfortable or ill-at-ease. The word uncomfortable comes from the prefix un- meaning "not" and comfortable meaning "affording comfort." When something is uncomfortable, it doesn't allow you to relax. A hard chair can be uncomfortable. So can a tense situation in which two people are arguing. Someone can make you feel uncomfortable by saying something inappropriate.
Vocabulary lists containing uncomfortable
"To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, Chapters 12–15
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un-
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un-
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Uncomfortable leaving her Portland home empty for long stretches, she turned to HomeShare Oregon.
From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 18, 2025
Uncomfortable with the idea of ousting a mayor whose election had broken barriers, Nia Weeks opposed the recall effort, even though she was well versed in the city’s problems.
From New York Times • May 1, 2023
Uncomfortable as it may be, this usually resolves within a few days.
From Washington Post • Jan. 23, 2023
Uncomfortable challenges would make us forget territorial integrity, sovereignty of an independent country and freedom.
From Seattle Times • Oct. 21, 2022
Uncomfortable with this lopsided, wild-eyed man, Herbie said, “Excuse me, sir, but I really am afraid your pig is eating my books.”
From "The Milagro Beanfield War" by John Nichols
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
