Word
unease
Phoneticsun·ease, stress on the second syllable
US/əˈniz/
UK/ʌnˈiːz/
Definitions
01worry or discomfort
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. a feeling of worry or nervousness, especially when you think something bad might happen.
n. a state of mental discomfort, apprehension, or anxiety regarding a situation or event.
“There was a growing sense of unease among the staff after the manager's announcement.”
“The sudden silence in the boardroom created a palpable sense of unease, as if everyone were waiting for the other shoe to drop.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
02to make uncomfortable
C2 · Proficiency Formal · Literary
v. to make someone feel worried or nervous.
v. to cause a person to feel uncomfortable or anxious. This transitive use is significantly less common than the noun or the adjective 'uneasy'.
“The strange noises from the attic began to unease the residents of the old house.”
“The prospect of a long winter without adequate supplies began to unease the settlers, though they kept their fears quiet.”
Usage
The verb is transitive and requires a direct object.
Real-World Examples
“Scary movies use visual tricks to build unease and frighten the audience.” “And we saw moments of unease between the rulers and those they rule.” Etymology
From Middle English unese, equivalent to un- + ease. Compare disease.
From Middle English unesen, equivalent to un- + ease.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
- 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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