Word
malaise
US/mæˈɫeɪz/
UK/mælˈeɪz/
Formal
Definition
n. a feeling of being physically or mentally tired and unhappy. It is a more formal word for a general sense of being 'down' or 'out of sorts'.
n. a state of physical or mental exhaustion or depression. Often used to describe a widespread sense of dissatisfaction or a lack of energy within a group or society.
Examples
“The team felt a general malaise after the long season.”
“The country's economic malaise led to a significant drop in consumer confidence and a rise in unemployment.”
“The protagonist's deep-seated malaise is not merely a result of his personal failures but a reflection of the broader societal disillusionment that defines the novel's setting.”
Examples
simple
“The team felt a general malaise after the long season.”
contextual
“The country's economic malaise led to a significant drop in consumer confidence and a rise in unemployment.”
complex
“The protagonist's deep-seated malaise is not merely a result of his personal failures but a reflection of the broader societal disillusionment that defines the novel's setting.”
Real-World Examples
“When we entered, the room was dimly lit—bright lights can induce post-exertional malaise, leaving her with painful migraines.” “According to WHO, symptoms can include fever, fatigue, malaise, muscle, pain, headache and sore throat.” Etymology
From French malaise (“ill ease”), from mal- (“bad, badly”) + aise (“ease”). Compare ill at ease.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/malaise