malaise

[ma-leyz, -muh-, ma-lez] / mæˈleɪz, -mə-, maˈlɛz /

NOUN

depression, sickness

Synonyms

STRONGEST

angst anxiety despair discomfort disquiet doldrums illness pain unease uneasiness weakness

STRONG

debility decrepitude distress enervation feebleness infirmity lassitude melancholy unhealthiness

WEAK

infirmness sickliness

Antonyms

STRONGEST

calmness cheer comfort ease good health happiness health joy peace pleasure well-being

STRONG

ability soundness strength

WEAK

healthiness well-being

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.

A broad malaise is sweeping office life at American companies, which appear to be in a race to find inefficiencies and cut costs.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

Industrial stocks’ External link rising star has faltered, thanks to soaring oil prices, inflation fears, and a general malaise settling over the markets amid war in the Middle East.

From Barron's • Mar. 26, 2026

Often, the design’s playfulness obscures the protagonist’s malaise.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 16, 2026

The woeful record of the national men's team is also evidence for withering comments and the malaise is well-documented.

From BBC • Mar. 6, 2026

We inspected it several times a day, vigilant for signs of under- or overwatering, too much or too little sun, spider mites, drafts, chlorosis, general malaise.

From "The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate" by Jacqueline Kelly

Vocabulary lists containing malaise

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