unrest

noun

un·​rest ˌən-ˈrest How to pronounce unrest (audio)
Synonyms of unrestnext
: a disturbed, uneasy, or turbulent state : turmoil
The country has experienced years of civil/social/political unrest.

Examples of unrest in a Sentence

The country has experienced years of civil unrest. unrest gripped the city as the people nervously awaited the expected bombardment
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Nigerian officials strongly rejected that characterization, saying the threat was from terrorists and part of broader unrest across that part of Africa, highlighting the political complexities around the administration's latest international military action. Arkansas Online, 27 Dec. 2025 The full Phase 3 clinical-trial results should provide a clearer picture soon, but one noteworthy finding so far is dysesthesia, or odd sensations in the skin, such as burning and pain, that suggest unrest in the nervous system. Sarah Zhang, The Atlantic, 23 Dec. 2025 The run-up in gold and silver has come amid a wobbly moment for the economy and persistent global unrest. Max Zahn, ABC News, 22 Dec. 2025 Iran’s success in securing this agreement was primarily the result of high turnout in the 2013 presidential election, which dispelled illusions in the United States and Europe about the imminent collapse of the Islamic Republic—illusions that dated to Iran’s post-2009 election unrest. Mohammad Javad Zarif, Foreign Affairs, 22 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unrest

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unrest was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unrest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unrest. Accessed 31 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

unrest

noun
un·​rest ˌən-ˈrest How to pronounce unrest (audio)
ˈən-
: lack of rest : a disturbed or uneasy state : turmoil

More from Merriam-Webster on unrest

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!