What is uneasy? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of uneasy

uneasyadjective

/ʌnˈiːzi//ʌnˈiːzi/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "uneasy." It can be a little tricky for some! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllables: The word is divided into three syllables:

  • un - like the beginning of "under"
  • e - a short, unstressed "e" sound (like in "bed")
  • asy - This is the tricky part.

2. Pronunciation Breakdown:

  • un: Pronounced like "uhn" – as in "fun"
  • e: Pronounced like "eh" – as in "bed"
  • asy: This is where most people stumble. It's pronounced like "uh-zee." The "a" sound is a little bit like the "a" in "say," but softer and shorter. It's not like the "a" in "cat." The "y" is silent.

3. Putting it together:

It sounds something like: uhn-eh-zee

Tips and Resources:

  • Listen to native speakers: This is the most effective way to learn. Here are some resources:
    • Google Translate: Type "uneasy" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon. (https://translate.google.com/)
    • Forvo: This website has pronunciations of words by native speakers from various countries. (https://forvo.com/word/uneasy/)
    • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce uneasy" on YouTube – you’ll find many videos demonstrating the sound.

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

  • Are you a native English speaker, or are you learning?
  • Where are you from (which accent might influence your pronunciation)?

Usage and examples with the word uneasy in English

Let's break down how to use the word "uneasy" in English. It's a subtle word that describes a feeling, and it's often more nuanced than simply saying "nervous." Here's a detailed explanation:

1. Core Meaning:

  • Uneasy means feeling uncomfortable, apprehensive, or worried, often without knowing exactly why. It's a vague sense of disquiet. It's not a strong, panicked fear, but a persistent feeling that something isn’t quite right.

2. How to Use It – Context is Key:

  • Describing Feelings: This is the most common use.

    • "I felt uneasy about the interview, even though I thought I was well-prepared." (You didn’t feel nervous exactly, but a sense of worry.)
    • "She had an uneasy feeling whenever he was around." (A vague, uncomfortable feeling.)
    • "He was uneasy about the decision, unsure of the consequences." (He wasn't frightened, but troubled.)

  • Describing Situations: "Uneasy" can describe a situation that evokes a feeling of discomfort or suspicion.

    • "There was an uneasy silence in the room after he made that comment." (A silence that felt uncomfortable and lacked naturalness.)
    • "The old house had an uneasy atmosphere." (A feeling of something unsettling, even if you couldn't pinpoint it.)
    • "The witness gave an uneasy account of the events." (Their story felt shaky or suspicious.)

  • Describing Appearance/Body Language: Sometimes "uneasy" is used to describe someone’s physical presentation.

    • “He shifted his weight constantly, looking decidedly uneasy.” (His movements suggested discomfort.)
    • “She adjusted her scarf repeatedly, appearing uneasy.”

3. Differences from Similar Words:

  • Nervous: Generally stronger and more defined. Nervousness usually stems from a specific cause (like a test or a presentation).
  • Anxious: More intense and persistent nervousness – a worrying depth of concern.
  • Worried: Similar to uneasy, but often with a more specific focus on a particular problem or potential outcome.
  • Apprehensive: Similar to uneasy – a feeling of anxiety or dread about something that might happen.

4. Examples in Sentences (Showing Variety):

  • "The detective felt uneasy as he entered the abandoned building."
  • “Despite his confident words, a flicker of uneasy nervousness betrayed his expression.”
  • “After hearing the news, she felt profoundly uneasy about the future.”
  • "I had an uneasy suspicion that something wasn't quite right with the story."
  • “He remained uneasy throughout the meeting, sensing a hidden agenda.”

5. Synonyms (Words with similar meanings):

  • Disquieted
  • Apprehensive
  • Disturbed
  • Restless
  • Worried
  • Anxious (though often stronger)
  • Unease

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

  • What kind of context are you trying to use "uneasy" in? (e.g., writing a story, describing a conversation, etc.)
  • Can you give me a sentence where you're trying to use the word, and I can help you refine it?

Synonyms for the word uneasy

Practice with vocabulary uneasy

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The sudden change in project scope made the team members feel quite ______________ about meeting the revised deadline.
  2. Despite the detailed explanation, some shareholders remained ______________ about the company's long-term financial projections.
  3. She felt an ______________ sensation when the speaker avoided answering direct questions during the Q&A session.
  4. The consultant was ______________ to implement the new system without conducting a thorough pilot test first.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following words best describe a feeling of discomfort or mild anxiety about an uncertain situation? a) Confident b) Uneasy c) Serene d) Anxious e) Poised

  2. When faced with a complex ethical dilemma, an individual might feel: a) Resolute b) Indifferent c) Perplexed d) Certain e) Confident

  3. The atmosphere in the meeting became noticeably ______________ after the unexpected announcement of company restructuring. a) Harmonious b) Relaxed c) Uneasy d) Tense e) Calm

  4. Before signing the contract, it is crucial to review all clauses thoroughly and remain ______________ about any vague language. a) Assured b) Skeptical c) Convinced d) Doubtful e) Certain

  5. Public speaking often elicits a sense of ______________ in many professionals, even those with extensive experience. a) Composed b) Nervous c) Uneasy d) Confident e) Calm

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: He had a feeling of apprehension regarding the outcome of the performance review. Rewrite: (Use "uneasy")

  2. Original: The prolonged silence during the negotiation made the participants feel a sense of discomfort. Rewrite: (Use "uneasy" or related word forms)

  3. Original: She hesitated to commit to the ambitious project timeline without more resources. Rewrite: (Do not use "uneasy")

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The sudden change in project scope made the team members feel quite uneasy about meeting the revised deadline.
  2. Despite the detailed explanation, some shareholders remained perplexed about the company's long-term financial projections.
  3. She felt an uneasy sensation when the speaker avoided answering direct questions during the Q&A session.
  4. The consultant was reluctant to implement the new system without conducting a thorough pilot test first.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) Uneasy, d) Anxious
  2. c) Perplexed
  3. c) Uneasy, d) Tense
  4. b) Skeptical, d) Doubtful
  5. b) Nervous, c) Uneasy

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Rewrite: He felt uneasy about the outcome of the performance review.
  2. Rewrite: The prolonged silence during the negotiation created an uneasy atmosphere for the participants.
  3. Rewrite: She was reluctant to commit to the ambitious project timeline without more resources.

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