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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

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

Silvia looks ill at ease around her extended family, or is it just anyone who’s not her daughter?

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 22, 2023

Taft wrote that he “would feel ill at ease to come into the Court after having been President as the junior of my own appointees and of the man I tried to defeat.”

From Seattle Times • Jan. 27, 2023

He seemed ill at ease, and his eyes blinked nervously.

From "The Chosen" by Chaim Potok

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.