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Definition of discomfiting

discomfiting

/dɪsˈkʌm.fɪ.tɪŋ/
dis · com · fit · ing
Adverb:discomfitingly
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discomfiting Lexical Profile

discomfiting Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Making someone feel uneasy, awkward, anxious, or embarrassed.

Example

"The interviewer's long, silent stare had a deeply discomfiting effect on the job applicants."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for discomfiting
Antonyms
View all antonyms for discomfiting

Word Nuance & Usage

Although historically derived from a verb meaning to defeat utterly in battle, 'discomfiting' in modern usage almost exclusively means causing awkwardness, unease, or embarrassment, partly due to its resemblance to 'discomforting'.

• Nearby Words

discombobulated
discombobulation
discomfit
discomfiting
discomfort
discomforting
disconcerted

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from the verb 'discomfit', from Middle English 'discomfiten', borrowed from Old French 'desconfire' (to defeat or destroy), ultimately from Vulgar Latin '*disconficere' (to undo).

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Discomfiting. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/discomfiting
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