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Definition of malaise

malaise

/məˈleɪz/
ma · laise
Plural:malaises
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malaise Lexical Profile

malaise Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A general feeling of discomfort, illness, or uneasiness whose exact cause is difficult to identify.

Example

"The patient complained of a persistent malaise and mild fever for several days before visiting the clinic."

2

A complex or pervasive state of moral, social, or economic decline, stagnation, or dissatisfaction within a group or society.

Example

"Rising inflation and stagnant wages contributed to a widespread economic malaise across the region."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for malaise

• Nearby Words

malaga
malagarasi
malagasy giant hognose snake
malaise
malamute
malanda
malanda falls

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the mid-18th century from French malaise, derived from Old French mal ('bad', from Latin malus) and aise ('ease').

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

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