discomfort

1 of 2

noun

Synonyms of discomfortnext
1
: mental or physical uneasiness : annoyance
2
archaic : distress, grief

discomfort

2 of 2

verb

dis·​com·​fort dis-ˈkəm(p)-fərt How to pronounce discomfort (audio)
discomforted; discomforting; discomforts

transitive verb

1
: to make uncomfortable or uneasy
2
archaic : dismay sense 1
discomfortable
dis-ˈkəm(p)-fər-tə-bəl How to pronounce discomfort (audio)
-ˈkəm(p)f-tər-bəl
adjective

Synonyms of discomfort

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Verb

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of discomfort in a Sentence

Noun The patient is still experiencing some discomfort. These new developments are being watched with discomfort by many of our allies. Verb the harsh criticism of his musical talent did not discomfort him in the least
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Noun
His elbow isn’t the concern, but now his shoulder is a source of discomfort. — Kansas City Star, 1 July 2026 The byproduct was irritated, itchy skin with the discomfort of scratches, scabs and the stink that accompanied it. — Katherine Ott, The Conversation, 2 July 2026 Surround yourself with people who challenge your assumptions, and lean into the discomfort. — Mikhail Shneyder, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 Despite experiencing the discomfort, Chapman stayed in the game and hit for himself in the top of the seventh. — Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for discomfort

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Anglo-French descomforter, from des- dis- + comforter to comfort

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of discomfort was in the 14th century

Rhymes for discomfort

See All Rhymes for discomfort

Browse Nearby Words

discomfiture
discomfort
discomfortable
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Discomfort.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/discomfort. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

discomfort

1 of 2 verb
dis·​com·​fort dis-ˈkəm(p)-fərt How to pronounce discomfort (audio)
: to make uncomfortable or uneasy : distress

discomfort

2 of 2 noun
: physical or mental uneasiness

More from Merriam-Webster on discomfort

Nglish: Translation of discomfort for Spanish Speakers

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