English · Word Candidate

unrest

/ʌnˈɹɛst/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: unrests

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A state of trouble, confusion and turbulence, especially in a political context; a time of riots, demonstrations and protests.

Noun

Examples

What words are these have fall’n from me? ⁠Can calm despair and wild unrest ⁠Be tenants of a single breast, Or sorrow such a changeling be?

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 troubles or confuses; that which causes unrest.

Noun

Examples

In her pyjamas, Sadie turned back the bedclothes to a single sheet, and settled down under it with a sigh of content; the languors of a body untroubled by mental unrests were a reward for the day's exertions.

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).

Common questions

What does “unrest” mean?

A state of trouble, confusion and turbulence, especially in a political context; a time of riots, demonstrations and protests.

Is “unrest” formal or informal?

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