noun

das Unbehagen

discomfort · unease

Ein unangenehmes Gefühl, bei dem man sich nicht wohl oder sicher fühlt.

Definition & meaning

Unbehagen means a feeling of unease, discomfort, or apprehension. It can describe emotional uneasiness about a situation, or a more general sense of not feeling comfortable. It is usually less intense than fear and does not necessarily have a clear cause.

Grammar & Word origin

Unbehagen is a neuter noun: das Unbehagen. It is generally used as a singular, uncountable noun.

It is formed from un- (“not” or “opposite of”) and Behagen (“comfort” or “contentment”), which comes from the verb behagen (“to please” or “to feel comfortable”).

Synonyms & antonyms

die Beklommenheit — uneasiness or apprehension, often with a sense of emotional tightness; usually more intense or inwardly felt.
das Unwohlsein — feeling unwell or uncomfortable; can refer to physical discomfort as well as emotional unease.
die Verunsicherung — uncertainty or loss of confidence, often caused by something that makes a person feel insecure.

Possible antonyms:

das Wohlbehagen — a state of comfort and contentment; the direct opposite in meaning.
das Wohlgefühl — a pleasant sense of well-being, often with a stronger emphasis on feeling good.