unrest

[uhn-rest]

noun

1. lack of rest; a restless, troubled, or uneasy state; disquiet.

   the unrest within himself.

2. disturbance or turmoil; agitation.

   political unrest.

   Synonyms: turbulence, discord, ferment

unrest

/ ʌnˈrɛst /

noun

1. a troubled or rebellious state of discontent

2. an uneasy or troubled state

Other Word Forms

• unresting adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of unrest¹

Middle English word dating back to 1300–50; un- ¹, rest ¹

Example Sentences

The Tory leader warned that the economy was underperforming and that people getting poorer could lead to "civil unrest".

From BBC

She said that Portland has problems for sure — “homelessness, fentanyl, a huge drug problem” — but unrest is not among them.

From Los Angeles Times

The UN's human rights chief condemned the "unnecessary force" used by security forces to quell the unrest, saying that at least 22 people have been killed and 100 others injured.

From BBC

The trust's website says Penrhyn Castle's "formidable architecture, opulent interiors and fine art collection lean on a long history of sugar and slate fortunes, social unrest and the longest-running industrial dispute in British history".

From BBC

They've also uncovered a plot to foment violent unrest, detaining dozens of men who travelled to Serbia for training including in the use of firearms.

From BBC

Related Words

• anarchy 
• anxiety 
• confusion 
• controversy 
• crisis 
• discontent 
• discord 
• dissension 
• insurrection 
• protest 
• rebellion 
• strife 
• tension 
• trouble 
• tumult 
• turmoil 
• uproar