WordGarden.iouneasily
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /ʌnˈiːzɪli/
US
- /əˈnizəli/
Meanings
Adverb
in a worried, unsettled, or nervous way
without fitting smoothly or harmoniously together
Beyond the definition
Imagine walking down a dark alley late at night. You would probably glance around, feel tense, and move with caution. That is what "uneasily" describes: doing something with nervousness, discomfort, or a lack of calm. It often suggests a small but clear tension in a person's movement, behavior, or feelings. A character in a story might accept an invitation uneasily if they suspect a trap, or a dog might lie in its bed, shifting uneasily when it hears strange noises outside.
"Uneasily" is an adverb that paints a picture of discomfort and worry. It describes how something is done, not simply that it is being done. Think of it as the opposite of "comfortably" or "smoothly." It suggests a lack of calm or stability, both physically and emotionally.
The word comes from "easy," so its meaning points to the opposite of ease. If someone accepts an apology uneasily, it means they still have doubts or hurt feelings. If a chair rocks uneasily on the floor, it is not stable and might tip over.
"Uneasily" often appears in storytelling to build suspense or reveal a character's inner turmoil. A detective might watch a suspect uneasily, sensing they are hiding something. Or a traveler might accept directions from a stranger uneasily, unsure of their motives. It's not about outright fear, but rather a subtle sense of worry and distrust.
You can also use it to describe physical movement or position: "He shifted uneasily in his seat," or "The boat pitched uneasily on the waves." It is a versatile word that adds nuance to descriptions of both inner feelings and outward actions, hinting at hidden worry and unspoken concern. So when you notice someone fidgeting, hesitating, or acting with quiet tension, "uneasily" is often the right word.
Examples
- 1
Fearful glance
She glanced uneasily at the dark doorway.
- 2
Interview nerves
He shifted uneasily in his chair while he waited for the interview to begin.
- 3
Workplace concern
Maya smiled uneasily when her boss asked about the missing file.
- 4
Restless sleep
I slept uneasily because of the noise outside.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Investor reaction
Investors reacted uneasily to the company's sudden change of plan.
- 6
Contradictory image
His friendly public image sits uneasily with the stories from former employees.
- Patternsit uneasily with + fact/claim
seem hard to accept together
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- shift uneasily
- laugh uneasily
- smile uneasily
- glance uneasily
Word family
Explore
- discomfort
- body language of anxiety
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- uneasilyadverb