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malaise

English → EnglishformalliteraryInstant · from the shared dictionary
Illustration of "malaise": Malaise refers to a general feeling of discomfort, illness, or unease whose exact cause is difficult

What does "malaise" mean?

Malaise refers to a general feeling of discomfort, illness, or unease whose exact cause is difficult to identify. Imagine a low-level, persistent heaviness in your body or a sense that "something is just not right" with a situation, like a lingering cold or a vague dissatisfaction with the state of the world. The word is often used in formal or intellectual contexts, particularly when describing societal or economic conditions rather than just physical ailments. You will commonly see it paired with words like "economic," "social," or "general" to describe a collective mood of stagnation or hidden trouble.

"malaise" in conversation

Discussing the office atmosphere

Has everyone been acting a bit strange lately?

Has everyone been acting a bit strange lately?

Yeah, there's a real sense of malaise in the office since the restructuring.

Yeah, there's a real sense of malaise in the office since the restructuring.

Used here to describe a collective, vague feeling of demotivation.

Doctor's visit

What brings you in today?

What brings you in today?

I don't have a fever, but I’ve just been feeling this general malaise for a week.

I don't have a fever, but I’ve just been feeling this general malaise for a week.

Used here to describe a non-specific physical feeling of being unwell.

"malaise" in a sentence

  1. He complained of a general malaise that kept him in bed all day.

    He complained of a general malaise that kept him in bed all day.

  2. The country is currently suffering from a deep-seated economic malaise.

    The country is currently suffering from a deep-seated economic malaise.

  3. Despite the outward success of the project, a lingering malaise permeated the team's morale.

    Despite the outward success of the project, a lingering malaise permeated the team's morale.

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