# uneasy

/əˈnizi/ (US) · /ʌnˈiːzi/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/uneasy
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. feeling worried or anxious

adjective · CEFR B2

feeling slightly worried or nervous about something, often because you think something bad might happen.

For teachers: characterised by a sense of apprehension or anxiety regarding a future event or current situation.

- I felt uneasy about leaving the children home alone for the first time.
- The witness felt increasingly uneasy as the prosecutor began to probe the inconsistencies in her initial statement.

### 2. an awkward or tense situation

adjective · CEFR B2

describing a situation or atmosphere that is not relaxed and feels like trouble might start.

For teachers: describing a state of precarious stability or a social atmosphere marked by tension and lack of comfort.

- There was an uneasy silence in the room after they finished their argument.
- The two countries reached an uneasy peace treaty that many analysts believed would not last through the winter.

### 3. physically restless

adjective · CEFR C1 · Literary

unable to sit still or sleep because you are in pain or worried.

For teachers: marked by physical restlessness or a lack of repose, often due to underlying discomfort or mental agitation.

- He spent an uneasy night tossing and turning in the hotel bed.
- The patient fell into an uneasy sleep, frequently waking to the sound of the hospital monitors.

## Examples

- I feel uneasy about leaving the kids home alone.
- An uneasy silence fell over the room after the manager announced the upcoming budget cuts.
- The two nations maintained an uneasy peace, characterized by frequent border skirmishes and a mutual distrust that hindered any meaningful diplomatic progress.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.