ill at ease

adjective

Synonyms of ill at easenext
: not feeling easy or relaxed : uncomfortable

Synonyms of ill at ease

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Examples of ill at ease in a Sentence

He seemed ill at ease when we spoke with him. I'm usually ill at ease when addressing a large crowd of people.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Stephenson and Howlin looked equally ill at ease. — Robin Muir, Vogue, 12 June 2026 Of course, no guest wants to dine at the home of a host whose off-putting etiquette makes everyone feel ill at ease either. — Alesandra Dubin, Southern Living, 21 Oct. 2025 The squad were simultaneously in awe, and ill at ease. — Nick Miller, New York Times, 17 June 2026 The young man may be introverted or otherwise socially ill at ease. — Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 29 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for ill at ease

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ill at ease was in the 14th century

Rhymes for ill at ease

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Browse Nearby Words

ill-assorted
ill at ease
illation
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Cite this Entry

“Ill at ease.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ill%20at%20ease. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

ill at ease

adjective
: feeling uncomfortable
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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