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Synonyms

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.

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.

But what if I am ill at ease with leisure?

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 9, 2026

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

When I spoke my voice was far too casual, the silly, nervous voice of someone ill at ease.

From "Rebecca" by Daphne du Maurier

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.