uncomfortable
uhn-KUHMF-tuh-bl
Uncomfortable (adj) means causing physical discomfort. Example: “The wooden bench was so uncomfortable that nobody wanted to sit on it for long.”
adj
1
Causing physical discomfort.
"The wooden bench was so uncomfortable that nobody wanted to sit on it for long."
"I had an uncomfortable night on the sofa, with a cushion digging into my back."
"These shoes are uncomfortable after a few hours of walking."
2
Causing unease, anxiety, or awkwardness.
"He felt uncomfortable when the whole room turned to stare at him."
"There was an uncomfortable silence after his comment."
"She felt uncomfortable discussing her salary in front of coworkers."
How to use uncomfortable
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishNot comfortable — either physically painful or awkward, or emotionally tense.
Common pairings
uncomfortable silence
physically uncomfortable
feel uncomfortable
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more uncomfortable
- Superlative
- most uncomfortable
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The wooden bench was so _____ that nobody wanted to sit on it for long.
Etymology
From un- + comfortable.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for uncomfortable
See all rhymes for 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.
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