ill at ease
Squirming inside yourself
Ill at ease describes a state of discomfort or unease, typically in social situations.
Someone ill at ease feels awkward, self-conscious, or unable to relax: He looked ill at ease in his borrowed suit.
The phrase suggests visible discomfort—fidgeting, stilted conversation, or an obvious wish to be elsewhere.
Uncomfortably aware of oneself
- uncomfortableCausing unease or distress
- embarrassedSelf-consciously uncomfortable
- out of placeNot where it belongs
- inhibitedHeld back by self-consciousness
constrained · discomfited · stiff · gauche · sheepish · abashed · tongue-tied · flustered
Troubled by uncertainty
- nervousUneasy and apprehensive
- apprehensiveFearful of future events
- fearfulFull of fright
- stressedOverwhelmed by pressure
concerned · troubled · dread · angst · anxiety · distress · trepidation · alarmed
Nervously unable to settle
- antsyRestlessly eager or nervous
- edgyTense and irritable
- jitteryAnxiously restless
- squirmyInclined to wriggle
restive · agitated · twitchy · impatient · on edge · jumpy · keyed up · wound up
Lacking faith in others
- waryGuardedly alert
- guardedWary and restrained
- mistrustfulLacking faith in others
- leeryCautiously distrustful
doubtful · uncertain · skeptical · apprehensive · hesitant · circumspect · cagey · watchful
self-conscious
Uncomfortably aware of oneself
- uncomfortableCausing unease or distress
- embarrassedSelf-consciously uncomfortable
- out of placeNot where it belongs
inhibited · constrained · discomfited · stiff · gauche · sheepish · abashed · tongue-tied · flustered · red-faced
worried
Troubled by uncertainty
- nervousUneasy and apprehensive
- apprehensiveFearful of future events
- fearfulFull of fright
stressed · concerned · troubled · dread · angst · anxiety · distress · trepidation · alarmed · fretful
fidgety
Nervously unable to settle
squirmy · restive · agitated · twitchy · impatient · on edge · jumpy · keyed up · wound up · high-strung
distrustful
Lacking faith in others
- waryGuardedly alert
- guardedWary and restrained
- mistrustfulLacking faith in others
leery · doubtful · uncertain · skeptical · apprehensive · hesitant · circumspect · cagey · watchful · on guard
ill at easeat ease
Relaxed, not tense
comfortable · relaxed · calm · serene · at peace
ill at easeconfident
Sure of oneself
self-assured · poised · at home · in one's element · assured
ill, uneasy, unease, at ease, uneasiness, malaise, ill-at-ease