When something makes you uncomfortable, it causes physical or emotional uneasiness. You might feel uncomfortable sitting in a chair that's too hard, wearing shoes that pinch your toes, or standing in an awkward position for too long. Your body sends signals that something isn't quite right.

But uncomfortable often describes emotional feelings too. You might feel uncomfortable when you have to give a speech in front of the class, when someone asks a question you don't want to answer, or when you're caught between two friends who are arguing. It's that squirmy, awkward feeling of wanting to be somewhere else or wishing the situation would change.

The word suggests something you can tolerate but would rather avoid. An uncomfortable truth is something real that people don't enjoy facing. An uncomfortable silence happens when no one knows what to say and the quiet feels heavy and strange.

Sometimes feeling uncomfortable signals growth: learning something new or trying something difficult often feels uncomfortable at first. A gymnast attempting a new skill might feel uncomfortable until she masters it. Other times, uncomfortable feelings can warn you that something might need attention.