What is uncomfortable? Pronunciation and usage in English

uncomfortable means . Learn how to pronounce and use uncomfortable through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of uncomfortable

uncomfortableadjective

/ʌnˈkʌmf(ə)təbl/
Definition & pronunciation of uncomfortable

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "uncomfortable" in English. It's a tricky one because it has a few sounds that might be unfamiliar. Here's a breakdown:

1. Un: Pronounced like "uhn" – as in "sun" or "fun." It's a short, open "uh" sound.

2. Com: Pronounced like "come" – as in the verb "to come."

3. For: Pronounced like "for" – as in "for you."

4. Table: This is the tricky part! It's pronounced like "tab-uhl."

  • tab: Pronounced like the beginning of the word "tabby" – a short, quick "tab" sound.
  • uhl: A very short, almost silent "uhl" sound, like the "u" in "under” but blended into the ‘t’ sound. It's a very subtle sound and often dropped in casual speech.

5. -ed: Pronounced like "d" – as in "bed."

Putting it all together:

uhn - come - for - tab-uhl - d

So, it sounds something like: “uhn-kum-for-tab-uhl-d”

Tips & Considerations:

  • Stress: The primary stress is on the second syllable: "unCOMfortable."
  • The “uhl” sound: Really focus on shortening the “u” sound and blending it closely with the “t.” Many native speakers actually shorten this sound significantly.
  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear it. Here are some resources:
    • Google Search: Search for "how to pronounce uncomfortable" on YouTube. You'll find many videos.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/uncomfortable/ This website lets you hear pronunciations by native speakers from different regions.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Break it down further into smaller parts?

Usage and examples with the word uncomfortable in English

Let's break down how to use the word "uncomfortable" effectively in English. It's a versatile word with a range of meanings, so understanding the context is key.

1. Basic Meaning: Feeling Disagreeable or Awkward

  • Referring to Physical Discomfort: This is the most common usage. It describes a feeling of unease or pain in the body.
    • Example: “The chair was incredibly uncomfortable, and my back started to hurt after an hour.”
    • Example: “I have a terrible headache – I feel really uncomfortable.”
    • Example: “It was uncomfortable sitting on the hard floor for so long.”

2. Referring to Emotional or Social Discomfort

  • Feeling Awkward or Self-Conscious: This relates to feeling uneasy in a social situation.

    • Example: “He felt uncomfortable talking to the stranger at the party.”
    • Example: “I was uncomfortable with the level of attention I was receiving.”
    • Example: "It's uncomfortable to admit you made a mistake."

  • Feeling Disagreeable or Opposed to Something: It can describe a feeling of reluctance or resistance.

    • Example: “I was uncomfortable with the idea of moving to a new city.” (meaning you didn’t like it)
    • Example: “He was uncomfortable with the company's new policies.” (meaning you disagreed with them).

  • Feeling Distressed or Anxious: It can express a sense of worry or unease.

    • Example: “She felt uncomfortable about the upcoming exam.”
    • Example: “I had an uncomfortable feeling that something bad was going to happen.”

3. Describing a Situation or Environment

  • Referring to an Unpleasant or Difficult Situation: You can describe a situation as being uncomfortable.
    • Example: “The room was filled with a tense and uncomfortable atmosphere.”
    • Example: “I found the interview process to be rather uncomfortable – it felt very stressful.”

4. Nuances and Shades of Meaning

  • Mildly Uncomfortable: You can soften the word by adding qualifiers like "slightly," "a little," or "somewhat." "I felt slightly uncomfortable."
  • Deeply Uncomfortable: For stronger feelings, use “profoundly uncomfortable” or “extremely uncomfortable.”
  • Uncomfortable Silence: Often used to describe a pause in conversation that is awkward or tense.

Here's a breakdown of how to use it in sentences:

  • Subject + Verb + Uncomfortable (Adjective) – “I felt uncomfortable attending the meeting.”
  • It was/He/She felt uncomfortable + because/so + (reason) – “It was uncomfortable because the temperature was freezing.”
  • Using “being” as a gerund: “I found being in that situation uncomfortable.”

Tips for Using "Uncomfortable" Effectively:

  • Show, Don't Tell: Instead of just saying "I felt uncomfortable," try to describe why you felt that way. ("I felt uncomfortable because everyone was staring at me.")
  • Consider Alternatives: Depending on the specific nuance you want to convey, you might consider words like: uneasy, awkward, tense, anxious, disagreeable, distressed, ill-at-ease.

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of situation are you thinking about using "uncomfortable" in? (e.g., physical, social, emotional, a description of a place?)
  • Can you give me an example sentence you're struggling with?

Synonyms for the word uncomfortable

Practice with vocabulary uncomfortable

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The poorly designed ergonomic chair left employees feeling quite ___________ after long hours of work.
  2. Presenting the controversial findings to a skeptical audience made the researcher feel ___________.
  3. He found the silence during the board meeting rather ___________, prompting him to break it with a question.
  4. Navigating the complex regulations proved to be quite a ___________ task for the new project manager.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (select all that apply)

  1. Despite her professional demeanor, the unexpected personal question from the client made Sarah feel quite ___________. a) delighted b) comfortable c) uncomfortable d) enthusiastic

  2. The abrupt shift in company policy created an ___________ atmosphere among the staff, leading to decreased morale. a) harmonious b) unsettling c) uncomfortable d) calm

  3. Sitting through the five-hour flight in economy class with limited legroom was incredibly ___________. a) spacious b) luxurious c) uncomfortable d) pleasant

  4. The team faced a particularly ___________ deadline, requiring significant overtime to meet the project's demands. a) manageable b) effortless c) strenuous d) easy

  5. Speaking in front of a large, critical audience can often evoke feelings of ___________. a) confidence b) apprehension c) comfort d) ease

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: He found it difficult to relax during the awkward silence that fell over the room. Rewrite using "uncomfortable" or a related word form:
  2. Original: The lack of clear communication from management created a tense and difficult situation for the employees. Rewrite using "uncomfortable" or a related word form:
  3. Original: Her presentation style was so clumsy and unsure that it made the audience feel uneasy. Rewrite without using "uncomfortable" or related word forms:

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. uncomfortable
  2. uncomfortable
  3. awkward
  4. challenging

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) uncomfortable
  2. b) unsettling, c) uncomfortable
  3. c) uncomfortable
  4. c) strenuous
  5. b) apprehension

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The awkward silence made him feel uncomfortable. (or: He felt uncomfortable due to the awkward silence.)
  2. The employees found themselves in an uncomfortable situation due to the lack of clear communication from management. (or: The lack of clear communication from management made the situation uncomfortable for employees.)
  3. Her clumsy and unsure presentation style created an awkward feeling among the audience. (or: The audience felt awkward due to her clumsy and unsure presentation style.)

Comment ()