adjective
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not comfortable
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feeling or causing discomfort or unease; disquieting
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of uncomfortable
First recorded in 1585–95; un- 1 + comfortable
Explanation
If it's very hot or very cold in the room, chances are you are going to feel uncomfortable or ill-at-ease. The word uncomfortable comes from the prefix un- meaning "not" and comfortable meaning "affording comfort." When something is uncomfortable, it doesn't allow you to relax. A hard chair can be uncomfortable. So can a tense situation in which two people are arguing. Someone can make you feel uncomfortable by saying something inappropriate.
Vocabulary lists containing uncomfortable
"To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, Chapters 12–15
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un-
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un-
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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.
For their part, her fans are still likely to watch the uncomfortable show through their fingers.
From Salon ● Aug. 30, 2026
But it’s also one that, as Ocasio-Cortez’s behind-the-scenes videos depict, is expensive, uncomfortable, and painful to pursue.
From Slate ● Aug. 29, 2026
Dew points above 65 degrees are considered to be muggy and somewhat uncomfortable, those above 70 feel very humid and uncomfortable, and those above 75 are oppressive, according to the Weather Service.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 28, 2026
"She looked really uncomfortable, we decided to get her x-rayed," recalled Vaughan from Haverfordwest.
From BBC ● Aug. 26, 2026
It was an uncomfortable breakfast at Toutle Café.
From "Mountain of Fire" by Rebecca E. F. Barone
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.
