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

Kelly looked a little ill at ease to be out from behind the desk where she records her daily political commentary program, The Megyn Kelly Show.

From Slate • May 6, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 7, 2025

He was ill at ease, in angry-comedian mode, walking that razor’s edge between volatile performer and unhappy human.

From Los Angeles Times • May 26, 2024

We both had high hopes for our lives in Basel but felt ill at ease once we arrived.

From New York Times • Jan. 17, 2024

I feel ill at ease with them, as if I am here under false pretences.

From "Cat's Eye" by Margaret Atwood