unrest

noun

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

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 The combustible atmosphere sparked concerns that Ramadan — which began on March 10 this year — might bring unrest across Jerusalem and the West Bank. Sufian Taha, Washington Post, 22 Mar. 2024 The culmination of years of growing gang control and popular unrest, their joint assault forced Prime Minister Ariel Henry to resign last week, a stunning capitulation that has nevertheless proven futile in restoring calm. Caitlin Stephen Hu, CNN, 18 Mar. 2024 State collapse in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Venezuela, and Haiti fuels migration and unrest. Matthew Continetti, National Review, 16 Mar. 2024 Four months later, Mr. Banga, who assumed the top job last June, is confronting his first big management test and some early signs of unrest that have little to do with his aspirations to modernize the bank and supercharge its ambitions to combat climate change. Alan Rappeport, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2024 The last period occurred in the 1970s, with 2020 kicking off the next period of unrest. Ryan Hogg, Fortune Europe, 12 Mar. 2024 Between the racial and social unrest in 2020 and 2022, seven different Black female acts — Edwards, Kennedy and Marks included — debuted on the Opry's stage. Marcus K. Dowling, USA TODAY, 23 Feb. 2024 His tenure was mired in controversy and plagued by civil unrest. Alexandra Banner, CNN, 12 Mar. 2024 Political unrest almost always makes its way into the Oscars, including the red carpet. Joyce Lau, Washington Post, 11 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'unrest.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near unrest

Cite this Entry

“Unrest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unrest. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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
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