Words / A2

un-KUMFT-uh-bl/ʌnˈkʌmftəbl/

Uncomfortable means not pleasant to wear, sit in, or feel: uncomfortable shoes, an uncomfortable silence, feel uncomfortable. Comfortable is the opposite. Awkward is a cousin for social situations. Painful is stronger and about hurt. Do not write uncomfortable when you mean uncomfortably (adverb).

Meaning

Not pleasant to wear, sit in, or feel; also slightly embarrassed.

Examples

• “These new shoes are still uncomfortable.”
• “The wooden bench was uncomfortable after an hour.”
• “He felt uncomfortable talking about money.”

Good to know

uncomfortable shoes / feel uncomfortable. Opposite: comfortable. Social cousin: awkward.

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