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 There are few things more frustrating than waking in the middle of the night feeling hot, sticky and uncomfortable. — New Atlas, 24 Aug. 2026 Those who asked uncomfortable questions, took risks, and kept moving toward the impossible. — Kelsie Cairns, FOXNews.com, 24 Aug. 2026 California is getting a reminder that late-summer heat can be more than uncomfortable. — James Ward, USA Today, 24 Aug. 2026 Such legacies of 9/11 are the sort of uncomfortable and powerful matters to which Vollmann directs attention. — Christopher Coffman, The Conversation, 24 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
  • It has been said that the Moon is a harsh mistress, and nowhere is this more apparent than at the lunar south pole.
    — Space.com Staff, Space.com, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Maybe, then, Bohm is a lesson for even the harshest skeptics.
    — Matt Gelb, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of harsh
Adjective
  • There had been an embarrassing episode in Scotland, again on a golf course, in which Harp had made the gaffe of being overly clingy.
    — Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 22 Aug. 2026
  • But a week ago the Panthers felt like a worrisome bunch, one that got outplayed in an embarrassing 29-14 exhibition loss to Buffalo.
    — Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of embarrassing
Adjective
  • Security will remain in place at the schools, officials said, and counselors will be available for students who feel uneasy about attending classes.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 20 Aug. 2026
  • But that blend of raucous laughs (OK, well, some raucous laughs, some mere attempts at them) and real world concerns makes for an uneasy watch, ping-ponging between moods and tones in unpredictable ways.
    — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of uneasy
Adjective
  • But bring up the sore subject, and his eyes narrow, the jaw squares.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Everyone is banged up at this point in the season, particularly Willson Contreras, who’s been battling a sore hamstring but trying to stay on the field.
    — Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of sore
Adjective
  • The awkward truth is that blockchain does not offer complete privacy inherently.
    — Ravi Chamria, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The picture that unfolds is messy, awkward and, in the case of the missing AI expert, downright strange.
    — Jennifer Liu, CNBC, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of awkward
Adjective
  • Vocals are surprisingly good, despite the show being a bit awkward and clumsy at times.
    — Talia McWright, Twin Cities, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Sneak away into the beyond—maybe this was a clumsy translation.
    — Emma Cline, New Yorker, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of clumsy
Adjective
  • Every defendant has the right to appeal, and our thoughts and prayers remain with the Metcalf family in the painful wake of last week's hearing.
    — Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 22 Aug. 2026
  • The 55-year-old previously missed several weeks of the talk show amid recovery from painful gum surgery.
    — Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of painful
Adjective
  • Cleanup Challenges Cleaning up after your home has been inundated with smoke from wildfires is unpleasant, difficult and potentially unhealthy.
    — Jamie Gold, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Now over time in retirement, daily life has become unpleasant.
    — R. Eric Thomas, Washington Post, 18 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 26 Aug. 2026.

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