uncomfortable
6 synonyms and 1 antonyms for uncomfortable, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Causing physical discomfort.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use uncomfortable
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From un- + comfortable.
Full origin of uncomfortable →Frequently asked questions
What does “uncomfortable” mean?
The word “uncomfortable” means causing physical discomfort. In plain terms, not comfortable — either physically painful or awkward, or emotionally tense.
How do you pronounce “uncomfortable”?
“Uncomfortable” is pronounced uhn-KUHMF-tuh-bl (/ʌnˈkʌm.fɚ.tə.bl̩/ in IPA).
How do you use “uncomfortable” in a sentence?
Here is “uncomfortable” used in a sentence: “These shoes are uncomfortable after a few hours of walking.”
What is the opposite of “uncomfortable”?
The opposite of “uncomfortable” — its antonyms — is comfortable.
What part of speech is “uncomfortable”?
“Uncomfortable” is an adjective.
Is “uncomfortable” a common word?
“Uncomfortable” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “uncomfortable” have?
“Uncomfortable” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: causing physical discomfort.
What is the difference between "uncomfortable" and "uneasy"?
"Uncomfortable" can describe physical discomfort, such as an uncomfortable chair, or mental unease and awkwardness. "Uneasy" refers only to a feeling of anxiety or worry and is never used for physical sensations, so an uneasy feeling is always emotional.
When should you use "uncomfortable" instead of "awkward"?
Use "uncomfortable" to focus on the unease or discomfort a person feels, whether physical or emotional. Use "awkward" to describe a situation that is clumsy, embarrassing, or hard to handle, though a situation can be both awkward and uncomfortable at once.
Can "uncomfortable" describe both a person and an object?
Yes. An object can be uncomfortable when it causes physical discomfort, such as uncomfortable shoes, and a person can be uncomfortable when they feel unease, anxiety, or awkwardness. The same word covers the cause of discomfort and the experience of it.