English Reference
Adverb

uncomfortably

adv.
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ənˈkəmftəbɫi/ UK /ʌnkˈʌmftəbli/ un·com·fort·ably

adv.in a way that makes you feel physically or emotionally uneasy. You use this when a situation is not pleasant or when you feel too close to someone.

adv.in a manner that causes physical or emotional distress; in a position or situation that is not pleasant or suitable.


SIMPLE

The chair is too small and sits uncomfortably.

CONTEXTUAL

The two old friends sat uncomfortably in silence, unsure of what to say after the long argument.

COMPLEX

The witness felt uncomfortably aware of the jury's scrutiny as she answered the difficult questions regarding the incident.

Almost overnight, Smith became a symbol of a modern beauty ideal, often uncomfortably sexualised before she had properly entered adulthood.

The Guardian· 23 Aug 2026

A couple of Australian breakers named Tinylocks and Flix form a Greek chorus here, taking uncomfortably gleeful pleasure in Raygun’s public downfall.

The Guardian· 1 Sept 2026

From uncomfortable + -ly or un- + comfortably.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated