Search Dictionary
Definition of qualm

qualm

/kwɑːm/
qualm
Adverb:qualmishly
•
Plural:qualms
•
Adjective:qualmish
JUMP TO:

qualm Lexical Profile

qualm Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

An uneasy feeling of doubt, worry, or fear, especially about one's own conduct; a misgiving or pang of conscience.

Example

"She had no qualms about speaking her mind during the board meeting."

2

A momentary faint or sick feeling; a sudden attack of nausea or queasiness.

Example

"Looking over the edge of the steep cliff gave him a sudden qualm of dizziness."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for qualm
Antonyms
View all antonyms for qualm

Word Nuance & Usage

In modern usage, 'qualm' most frequently appears in the plural ('qualms') within negative constructions, such as 'have no qualms about' doing something.

• Rhymes for qualm

• Nearby Words

qualitative
qualitatively
quality
qualm
quandary
quando
quando river

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in the 16th century meaning a sudden attack of sickness or faintness, probably borrowed from Low German 'Quaulm' or Dutch 'kwalm', and related to Old English 'cwealm' meaning death or disaster.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Qualm. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/qualm
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.