uncomfortable

adjective

ˌən-ˈkəm(p)(f)-tər-bəl
Definition of uncomfortablenext
1
as in harsh
causing discomfort unfortunately, dressing up for the dance meant wearing an uncomfortable shirt

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in embarrassing
causing embarrassment the uncomfortable situation of running into an ex-friend at a social gathering

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in uneasy
lacking social grace and assurance a person who is uncomfortable at parties with lots of strangers

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of uncomfortable Parents may feel uncomfortable with how much technology their children are absorbing, but feel the need to trust the teachers. — Perry Rettig, AJC.com, 31 Aug. 2026 The anonymous Texas mother of two teenagers has been pulled out from behind her laptop into an uncomfortable spotlight. — Nick Penzenstadler, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026 Early on, the government issued wildland firefighters fire-resistant pants that were pocketless and uncomfortable. — M. R. O’Connor, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026 Swap your stiff, uncomfortable trousers for these pleated, wide-leg pants that are made from a four-way stretch, wrinkle-resistant fabric. — Mia Huelsbeck, PEOPLE, 30 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for uncomfortable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for uncomfortable
  1. harsh
  2. embarrassing
  3. uneasy
  4. sore
  5. awkward
  6. clumsy
  7. painful
  8. unpleasant
Adjective
  • Scott London Every year, Black Rock City appears on a dry lakebed in one of Nevada’s harshest areas, then disappears just as fast.
    — Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Hig has bunkered down with a grouchy companion, Bangley (Josh Brolin), who thrives in this harsh world.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of harsh
Adjective
  • Similarly, which athlete had the worst attempt at rapping and which rapper had the most embarrassing attempt at athletics?
    — Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 25 Aug. 2026
  • The news of San Francisco 49ers owner Jed York’s arrest in Ohio Sunday for initially engaging in prostitution is undoubtedly embarrassing for York and concerning for the franchise.
    — Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of embarrassing
Adjective
  • As the video popped up on social media and the Spanish-language Facebook group Danbury Al Dia, Hernandez grew uneasy.
    — Laura Tillman, Hartford Courant, 31 Aug. 2026
  • In addition to Cima and her father, the film centers on Hig and Bangley (Josh Brolin), two very different men whose uneasy partnership is shaped by the harsh realities of their new world.
    — Lily Brown, PEOPLE, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of uneasy
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, Mason Black headed back to the minors and Beck Way returned from his rehab assignment (sore shoulder).
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 28 Aug. 2026
  • But his record of publicly interacting with Piker — including at a pool party just before the primary — remains a sore point among some Michigan Democrats.
    — Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of sore
Adjective
  • The Moon in Pisces moves through your 6th House of Work, Health, and Daily Routines while making an awkward angle to Venus in Libra and your 1st House of Self.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Most of us have felt awkward during those first tentative steps back into dating.
    — Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of awkward
Adjective
  • Yirenki’s challenge on Christos Tzolis is clumsy, but well short of a first yellow card, let alone a second.
    — Graham Scott, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Vocals are surprisingly good, despite the show being a bit awkward and clumsy at times.
    — Talia McWright, Twin Cities, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of clumsy
Adjective
  • Be sure to start below the injury and wrap upward, overlapping each layer but never so tightly that fingers or toes become numb or painful.
    — Dr. Jill Grimes, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Its absence does not make the eventual adjustment less painful.
    — MICHAEL PETTIS, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of painful
Adjective
  • Discard soy sauce that smells unpleasant, has a sour taste, or contains mold.
    — Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Cedarwood Oil Cedarwood is another essential oil with an unpleasant smell to mice as well as other pests.
    — Emily Benda Gaylord, The Spruce, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of unpleasant

Browse Nearby Words

uncomely
uncomfortable
uncomfortably
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Uncomfortable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/uncomfortable. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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