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discomposure

discomposure

7.9
A feeling of being nervous and not calm
  • noun
  • /ˌdɪs.kəmˈpoʊ.ʒər/
translation icon : inquietud
  • The student's discomposure during the exam was clear as he nervously fidgeted and glanced at the clock.

Examples

  • "I just can't leave her in this, this"—her hand reached out as if to capture the word from the air—"this dormitory," she finished, her voice showing discomposure for the first time that day.

    Fiction book (1996)
  • She tried to remain calm, but her discomposure was evident as she stumbled over her words during the presentation.

  • That soft discomposure had nothing to do with that old horse of hers.

    Fiction book (2001)
  • Orlando looked himself up and down in a long looking glass, without showing any signs of discomposure, and went, presumably, to his bath.

    Academic text (2003)
  • The momentary discomposure had vanished, replaced by her usual poise.

    Fiction book (1992)
  • This second element is quite similar to the subject of naturalist inquiry into human nature, for naturalist texts like Zola's document the discomposure and deconstruction of the self.

    Academic text (2001)
  • Despite his best efforts to appear composed, I noticed his discomposure when he realized he had forgotten his lines.

Synonyms

discomfort
vsdiscomposure
119 3.2

A feeling of physical pain or mental unease

focuses on anxious disturbance and loss of calm rather than bodily pain
unease
vsdiscomposure
19 4.4

A feeling of worry and not being relaxed

signals a stronger disturbance with loss of calm
disquiet
vsdiscomposure
4 7.4

A feeling of worry or unease

emphasizes a clear loss of calm and steady control
discomfiture
vsdiscomposure
  • Formal
3 9.6

A sudden feeling of embarrassment and confusion

is more about losing calm without strong embarrassment
edginess
vsdiscomposure
1 6.0

A feeling of nervousness and tension that makes you easily annoyed

is more about anxious disturbance and loss of calm
uncomfortableness
vsdiscomposure
1 6.0

A feeling of being uneasy or awkward

applies mainly to anxious loss of calm rather than bodily pain
discombobulation
vsdiscomposure
  • Informal
1 9.8

A feeling of confusion and embarrassment that makes it hard to think

focuses on anxious disturbance and loss of calm rather than mere confusion
disquietude
vsdiscomposure
1 9.7

A feeling of worry that makes you restless and uneasy

focuses more on losing calm and steady control
upsetment
vsdiscomposure
8.1

A feeling of being sad, angry, or worried after bad news

highlights visible loss of calm rather than inner emotional trouble
unsettlement
vsdiscomposure
6.1

A feeling of being worried and not calm

stresses immediate loss of calm and control
disconcertment
vsdiscomposure
8.4

A feeling of being embarrassed and confused by something unexpected

is broader and not limited to reactions to surprises
disconcertion
vsdiscomposure
8.9

A sudden feeling of embarrassment and confusion when something unexpected happens

applies more generally beyond sudden disturbing events

Antonyms

38 5.1

Calm control of your feelings and actions in a difficult situation

9 2.7

A state without strong feelings or worry in your mind

How Uneasy

panic
394 2.7
disturbance
  • Specialized
18 4.1
discomposure
7.9
agitation
12 5.1
unease
19 4.4

Surface Forms

discomposure singular
discomposures plural

Morphology

discomposure = composure (semi-transparent) = dis + compose + ure

For someone who knows 'composure', adding 'dis-' clearly signals loss or absence of calm self-control.

Etymology

The word discomposure has the prefix dis-, meaning 'not', and the part composure, from compose, which means 'to put together' or 'be calm'. So discomposure is when someone is not 'put together' — they lose their calm and feel disturbed.