ill at ease

Idioms  

1. Uncomfortable, uneasy, as in Large parties made him feel ill at ease. [c. 1300] For an antonym, see at ease.

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Example Sentences

Both feel socially ill at ease up against “the townspeople of Pennacook,” another refrain.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 7, 2025

Gibson said he felt "ill at ease" during his visit to Austin, Texas, to appear as a guest on The Joe Rogan Experience, because he knew his neighbourhood was "on fire".

From BBC • Jan. 10, 2025

When a beloved artist who has not performed live in some time returns to the stage, we often expect them to appear fragile, unsteady, ill at ease.

From New York Times • Feb. 5, 2024

Silvia looks ill at ease around her extended family, or is it just anyone who’s not her daughter?

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 22, 2023

I was vaguely ill at ease all through that long and heavy meal.

From "The Left Hand of Darkness" by Ursula K. Le Guin