unease

American  

[uhn-eez] / ʌnˈiz /

noun

1. a state of discomfort or restlessness in the body or mind.

   Anxiety may break through and make itself felt in physical symptoms, such as jitters or unease.

   These initiatives seem to have emerged from the growing unease at the uneven pattern of economic recovery.

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Etymology

Origin of unease

First recorded in 1300–50; un- ¹ ( def. ) + ease ( def. )

Example Sentences

Unease about America’s nuclear umbrella isn’t confined to the Middle East.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 7, 2026

Unease on trading floors has risen this week after reports in Iran said it had broken off contact over Israel's attacks on Lebanon, which the US president denied on Tuesday.

From Barron's • Jun. 3, 2026

Unease is warranted; it’s a nerve-rattling document, clearly designed for that effect.

From Slate • Dec. 8, 2025

Unease about royal behaviour had spread way beyond regular critics of the monarchy – Robert Jenrick and Sir Ed Davey bringing it up "sent shockwaves".

From BBC • Nov. 1, 2025

Unease snaked through her and twisted into an anxious, rustling coil.

From "Six of Crows" by Leigh Bardugo

Related Words

• angst
• apprehension
• disquiet
• doubt
• dread
• foreboding
• jitters
• misgiving
• mistrust
• nervousness
• panic
• restlessness
• uncertainty
• uneasiness
• worry