# uncomfortably

**Pronunciation:** /ʌnˈkʌmftəbli/ · un-COMF-ter-bly

**CEFR level:** B2

**Part of speech:** adverb

## Meaning

In a way that causes physical or mental discomfort.

## Examples

- He sat uncomfortably on the edge of the sofa.
- The silence in the room grew uncomfortably long.
- She felt uncomfortably aware of everyone staring at her.

## Synonyms

- awkwardly — Suggests social or physical awkwardness.
- uneasily — Implies a feeling of worry or nervousness.
- painfully — Suggests a high degree of discomfort or suffering.
- disagreeably — Emphasizes an unpleasant or offensive quality.

## Antonyms

- comfortably — In a way that causes physical or mental ease.
- pleasantly — In a way that is enjoyable or agreeable.

## Common patterns

- uncomfortably + adjective — Describes a state of being in a way that causes discomfort. — The room was uncomfortably cold.
- uncomfortably + adverb — Intensifies another adverb, indicating a high degree of discomfort. — He spoke uncomfortably loudly, trying to fill the silence.
- uncomfortably + verb — Describes an action performed in a manner that causes discomfort. — She shifted uncomfortably in her seat.

## Collocations

- sit uncomfortably — He sat uncomfortably on the hard wooden chair.
- feel uncomfortably — She felt uncomfortably hot in the crowded room.
- uncomfortably close — The two cars were parked uncomfortably close to each other.
- uncomfortably large — The inheritance was uncomfortably large for the young man to manage.

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