uncomfortable
uncomfortable
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "uncomfortable" is /ʌnˈkʌmf.tə.bəl/.
Here's a breakdown of the sounds in each syllable:
un: /ʌn/ - A short "uh" sound, like in "up", followed by the consonant "n".
com: /ˈkʌm/ - A stressed syllable. Starts with the consonant "k", followed by the same short "uh" vowel sound as in "up", and ends with the consonant "m".
for: /fər/ - Starts with the consonant "f", followed by the "er" sound as in "fur".
ta: /tə/ - Starts with the consonant "t", followed by a schwa sound (ə), a very short, unstressed vowel sound.
ble: /bəl/ - Starts with the consonant "b", followed by the schwa sound (ə), and ends with the consonant "l".
Word Form Variations
Base Adjective: uncomfortable
Comparative Adjective: more uncomfortable
Superlative Adjective: most uncomfortable
Adverb: uncomfortably
Noun (related concept): discomfort
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Adjective: Uncomfortable
Definition 1: Experiencing or causing a feeling of unease, physical distress, or mental discomfort.
Synonyms: uneasy, uneasy, distressed, troubled, anxious, awkward, disquieted, perturbed, restless, edgy, tense, strained, itchy, prickly, painful
Antonyms: comfortable, at ease, relaxed, calm, peaceful, contented, soothed, pleasant, agreeable, cozy, snug
Definition 2: Not physically comfortable; causing physical discomfort.
Synonyms: cramped, restrictive, tight, ill-fitting, painful, irritating, scratchy, itchy, rough, hard, lumpy
Antonyms: comfortable, cozy, soft, smooth, loose, spacious, roomy, well-fitting, pleasant
Adverb: Uncomfortably
Definition: In a way that causes discomfort or unease.
Synonyms: uneasily, awkwardly, tensely, nervously, apprehensively, reluctantly, grudgingly, painfully, irritatingly, scratchily
Antonyms: comfortably, easily, readily, willingly, pleasantly, smoothly
Noun: Uncomfortableness (less common) / Discomfort (more common)
Definition: A state of physical or mental unease or distress. "Discomfort" is the far more frequent and natural noun form.
Synonyms: unease, distress, anxiety, worry, apprehension, nervousness, restlessness, agitation, pain, irritation, soreness, ache, affliction, hardship
Antonyms: comfort, ease, relaxation, peace, contentment, well-being, relief, pleasure, enjoyment, satisfaction, solace
It's important to note that "uncomfortableness" as a noun exists, but it's much less common than "discomfort." In most cases, "discomfort" is the preferred and more natural noun form related to the adjective "uncomfortable."
Examples of Use
Adjective (Uncomfortable):
Book: "He shifted uncomfortable in the hard wooden chair, his back beginning to ache." (Fictional example, but representative of common usage in literature.)
Newspaper: "The witness felt uncomfortable under the intense cross-examination." (News article example - imagine any news piece about a trial or investigation.)
Online Publication: "Many users reported feeling uncomfortable with the platform's new privacy policy." (Tech review or news site example.)
Entertainment (Movie Dialogue): "This dress is so uncomfortable! I can't wait to take it off." (Common movie or TV show line.)
Public Discourse: "I'm uncomfortable with the way this conversation is going." (Everyday conversation example.)
Adverb (Uncomfortably):
Book: "She shifted uncomfortably, avoiding his gaze." (Fictional example.)
Online Publication: "The actor fidgeted uncomfortably during the interview." (Entertainment news website example.)
Public Discourse: "He sat uncomfortably through the long meeting." (Everyday description of a situation.)
Noun (Discomfort):
Medical Context: "The patient reported experiencing some discomfort after the procedure." (Medical journal or patient information website example.)
News Report: "The new regulations have caused widespread discomfort among small business owners." (News article about policy changes.)
Online Forum: "I'm looking for advice on how to relieve the discomfort caused by carpal tunnel syndrome." (Health or support forum example.)
Public Discourse: "I felt a great deal of discomfort at his insensitive remarks." (Everyday conversation about feelings or social situations.)
Related Forms (Comparative/Superlative):
Comparative: "This chair is more uncomfortable than the one I had before." (Everyday conversation.)
Superlative: "This is the most uncomfortable bed I've ever slept in." (Travel review or personal anecdote.)
10 Famous Quotes Using Uncomfortable
“Get comfortable being uncomfortable. That’s how you break through.” — Peter McWilliams
“Being uncomfortable is the price of admission to a meaningful life.” — Susan David
“The uncomfortable truth is better than a comfortable lie.” — Original
“You don’t grow when things are easy. You grow when you’re uncomfortable, challenged, and pushed.” — Original
“Uncomfortable isn’t unsafe — it’s unfamiliar.” — Original
“Everything you want is on the other side of uncomfortable.” — Original
“If it doesn’t make you uncomfortable, it’s probably not changing you.” — Original
“Uncomfortable moments are where authenticity lives.” — Original
“Being uncomfortable is temporary. Regret is forever.” — Original
“The truth will always make someone uncomfortable — usually the person who needs to hear it most.” — Original
Etymology
The word "uncomfortable" is formed by combining three parts:
un-: This is a prefix meaning "not." It's a very common prefix in English and flips the meaning of the word it's attached to.
comfortable: This is the root word, and it's where the core meaning comes from. "Comfortable" originally meant "affording comfort or ease." It comes from the Old French word "confort," which meant "consolation, solace," and ultimately from the Latin word "confortare," meaning "to strengthen much."
-able: This is a suffix that turns the word into an adjective. It means "able to be" or "capable of being." So, "comfortable" means "able to be comforted" or "providing comfort."
Putting it all together: "uncomfortable" literally means "not able to be comforted" or "not providing comfort."
First Known Use and Meaning:
Pinpointing the very first recorded use of a word is often difficult, but "uncomfortable" appeared in written English sometime in the 16th century. Its meaning has remained consistent: not comfortable, causing unease or distress, either physically or mentally. So, from its earliest known usage, "uncomfortable" has essentially meant what it means today. It's a straightforward word built from familiar parts, and its meaning is directly related to the meaning of "comfortable."
Phrases + Idioms Containing Uncomfortable
Phrases (not strictly idioms, but common collocations):
Feel uncomfortable: This is the most common way "uncomfortable" is used. It describes a state of unease, either physical or emotional.
Make someone uncomfortable: This describes the act of causing someone else to feel uneasy.
Uncomfortable silence: This describes a pause in conversation that is awkward or tense. It's probably the closest we get to a widely recognized phrase with "uncomfortable."
Uncomfortable situation: This refers to a situation that is awkward, embarrassing, or distressing.
Uncomfortable truth: This refers to a fact that is difficult to accept or acknowledge.
Why "uncomfortable" doesn't lend itself to idioms:
Idioms usually rely on metaphor and figurative language. They often have a meaning that is different from the literal meaning of the words. "Uncomfortable," on the other hand, is a fairly direct and literal word. It describes a specific feeling or state. It doesn't easily lend itself to the kind of metaphorical stretching that idioms require.
Phrases using synonyms or related concepts:
Since "uncomfortable" doesn't generate many idioms itself, let's look at phrases that capture the feeling of being uncomfortable:
Out of one's comfort zone: This is a very common idiom that describes a situation where someone is doing something new or challenging. It implies a degree of discomfort but also suggests the potential for growth.
On pins and needles: This idiom describes a state of nervous anticipation or anxiety.
Have butterflies in one's stomach: This describes the feeling of nervousness or excitement, often before a big event.
Sweat bullets: This describes a state of extreme nervousness or fear.
Feel like a fish out of water: This describes the feeling of being in an unfamiliar or awkward situation.
Original/Less Common Phrases (playing with the idea of "uncomfortable"):
"The silence hung uncomfortably in the air, thick as a humid summer night." (This uses "uncomfortable" more descriptively.)
"His gaze made her feel uncomfortably exposed, like she was standing under a spotlight." (Again, a more descriptive use.)
"He wore his new suit uncomfortably, as if it were a costume he hadn't quite grown into." (Figurative and descriptive.)
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of uncomfortable from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
