inconfortable
/ɛ̃.kɔ̃.fɔʁ.tabl/
The English word "uncomfortable" is translated to French as inconfortable.
The term inconfortable is used to describe physical discomfort caused by objects, such as a piece of furniture or clothing that is not pleasant to use.
Meaning: experiencing discomfort (adj)
Which one should you use?
Inconfortable is used for physical discomfort caused by objects like chairs or beds, while mal à l'aise is used to describe a person's internal state of social or emotional unease.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in number with the noun it modifies, adding an -s for plural nouns (e.g., inconfortables).
How do you pronounce it?
The word has four syllables and is pronounced /ɛ̃.kɔ̃.fɔʁ.tabl/.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often incorrectly use inconfortable to describe a person feeling socially awkward or uneasy. Instead, use mal à l'aise to express emotional or social discomfort.
Did you know?
- Because inconfortable only applies to objects, telling a person Tu es inconfortable could accidentally imply that their physical presence or shape is poorly constructed.
- The English word 'comfortable' and the French word confortable share the same Latin root, 'confortare', which originally meant 'to strengthen' or 'to support'.
- When someone is feeling emotionally 'uncomfortable' in a social setting, they might describe the atmosphere as pesante, which means 'heavy'.
Examples in context
- Les lits sont inconfortables.The beds are uncomfortable.This sentence is useful for describing the comfort level of beds using inconfortable.Tatoeba #6846251 by Micsmithel, translation #6835463 by Hybrid
- Cette chaise est inconfortable.This chair is uncomfortable.This sentence is useful for describing a chair using inconfortable.Tatoeba #13227176 by lbdx, translation #2268904 by _undertoad
- Ces nouvelles chaussures sont inconfortables.I am uncomfortable in these new shoes.This sentence is useful for describing shoes using inconfortable.Tatoeba #1586546 by sacredceltic, translation #58363 by CC
- Je me sens mal à l'aise dans cette situationI feel uneasy in this situation
- Je ne me sens pas à l'aise iciI don't feel comfortable here
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Nathan are sitting in a cafe with old furniture.
- LéaCe fauteuil est vraiment inconfortable, non ?This armchair is really uncomfortable, isn't it?
- NathanOui, il est très dur.Yes, it is very hard.
- LéaNathan, on devrait changer de place.Nathan, we should change seats.
- NathanBonne idée, allons vers la terrasse.Good idea, let's go toward the terrace.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry inconfortable, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries inconfortable, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
