discomfort

1 of 2

noun

Synonyms of discomfort
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

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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
King seemed stranded in a faraway world, tortured by a discomfort that no amount of affection could soothe. — Laura Preston, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2026 Bidets may also ease discomfort from hemorrhoids, fistulas and anal fissures, and help people with chronic diarrhea or conditions that require frequent wiping. — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2026 And somewhere in that discomfort, watching people who do this so well, the good invisibility stopped being a nice idea and started being real. — Bret Clement, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026 Here is some of our permanent discomfort, the joke seemed to say. — Charles Finch, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 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

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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 4 Sep. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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