Word
uncomfortably
Phoneticsun·com·fort·ably, stress on the second syllable
US/ənˈkəmftəbɫi/
UK/ʌnkˈʌmftəbli/
Definition
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.
Examples
“The chair is too small and sits uncomfortably.”
“The two old friends sat uncomfortably in silence, unsure of what to say after the long argument.”
“The witness felt uncomfortably aware of the jury's scrutiny as she answered the difficult questions regarding the incident.”
Examples
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.”
Real-World Examples
“Almost overnight, Smith became a symbol of a modern beauty ideal, often uncomfortably sexualised before she had properly entered adulthood.” “A couple of Australian breakers named Tinylocks and Flix form a Greek chorus here, taking uncomfortably gleeful pleasure in Raygun’s public downfall.” Etymology
From uncomfortable + -ly or un- + comfortably.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/uncomfortably