English · Word Candidate

discomfort

/dɪsˈkʌmfət/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: discomforts · discomforting · discomforted

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Mental or bodily distress.

Noun

Examples

[…] although overcrowding on the trains running via London Bridge has occasioned considerable discomfort to regular travellers, it was noticed that the alternative route was not extensively patronised, and that the trains were seldom more than half-filled.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Something that disturbs one’s comfort; an annoyance.

Noun

Examples

Even without hovering drones, a lurking assassin, a thumping score and a denouement, the real-life story of Edward Snowden, a rogue spy on the run, could be straight out of the cinema. But, as with Hollywood, the subplots and exotic locations may distract from the real message: America’s discomfort

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To cause annoyance or distress to.

Verb

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “discomfort” mean?

Mental or bodily distress.

Is “discomfort” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.