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Definitions

ill (at ease)

ADJECTIVE
uncomfortable
Synonyms
WEAK
anxious awkward discomfited disquieted disturbed doubtful edgy faltering fidgety hesitant nervous on edge on tenterhooks restless self-conscious suspicious tense uneasy unrelaxed unsettled unsure
Antonyms
WEAK
at ease comfortable
ill at ease
ADJECTIVE
not feeling at ease
Synonyms
WEAK
anxious apprehensive awkward discomfited disquieted disturbed doubtful edgy faltering fidgety hesitant insecure nervous on edge on pins and needles on tenterhooks out of place restless self-conscious shy suspicious tense uncomfortable uneasy unrelaxed unsettled unsure
Antonyms
WEAK
at ease comfortable content

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But what if I am ill at ease with leisure?

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 9, 2026

There was little sign of chaos now, but Al-Rahy still seemed ill at ease.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 23, 2025

Gibson said he felt "ill at ease" during his visit to Austin, Texas, to appear as a guest on The Joe Rogan Experience, because he knew his neighbourhood was "on fire".

From BBC • Jan. 10, 2025

When a beloved artist who has not performed live in some time returns to the stage, we often expect them to appear fragile, unsteady, ill at ease.

From New York Times • Feb. 5, 2024

The gulls had disturbed his equilibrium, put him ill at ease.

From "Snow Falling on Cedars: A Novel" by David Guterson