Practice Malaise with Flashcards, Spelling and Quizzes

Study with flashcards, practice spelling, then take a quiz to check your understanding:

Anguish and Despair

Choose an activity:

Atmosphere and Mood

Choose an activity:

Challenges and Distress

Choose an activity:

GRE 6 (Graduate Record Examination)

Choose an activity:

Prefix mal-

Choose an activity:

malaise

Malaise (noun) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology

noun

IPA:

/maˈleɪz/

What does malaise mean?

A general feeling of discomfort, unease, or mild illness, often characterized by a vague sense of physical or emotional discomfort.
"A sense of malaise has settled over the company due to recent layoffs."

Detailed Meaning of Malaise

When someone experiences malaise, they may not feel well, but the symptoms are often non-specific and may not point to a specific illness or condition. This term is typically used to describe a sense of being "off" or unwell without a clear or distinct cause. Malaise can manifest as fatigue, weakness, a mild fever, or a sense of lethargy and is often associated with a lack of energy or motivation. It can result from various factors, such as stress, fatigue, or the early stages of an illness. "Malaise" underscores the idea of a general feeling of being unwell or out of sorts, even if no specific ailment can be identified.

Example Sentences for Malaise

1. The country's economic malaise was evident in the declining GDP figures.
2. She couldn't shake off the feeling of malaise after the exhausting week.
3. The political turmoil created a general malaise among the citizens.
4. The team's repeated losses contributed to a growing sense of malaise among the fans.
5. The doctor diagnosed his symptoms as a physical manifestation of emotional malaise.
6. The society's malaise was reflected in the declining interest in community events.

Origin and Etymology of Malaise

The noun 'malaise' has its etymological roots in French. It is derived from the Old French word 'malaise,' which combines 'mal,' meaning 'bad' or 'ill,' and 'aise,' meaning 'ease' or 'comfort.' In English, 'malaise' refers to a general feeling of discomfort, unease, or mild illness, often characterized by a vague sense of physical or emotional discomfort. It suggests a condition where one does not feel entirely well but may not be able to pinpoint a specific ailment. 'Malaise' is often used to describe a sense of being out of sorts or lacking vitality, and it can result from a variety of factors, including stress, fatigue, or underlying health issues. It conveys a sense of discomfort and unease that is more diffuse and lingering than acute illness, making it a useful term for describing a state of not feeling quite right.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the noun malaise:

uneasiness

comfort

wellness

ease

Try Again!

Correct!

Continue Quiz

More Usage Examples of Malaise

1. Widespread malaise affected the morale of the workforce, impacting productivity.
2. The artist's creative malaise was evident in her recent uninspired paintings.
3. Economic uncertainty has led to a pervasive malaise in the business sector.
4. The novel captured the societal malaise of the era through its characters' struggles.
5. The therapist helped her identify the underlying causes of her emotional malaise.
6. The city's infrastructure decay was a visible symptom of its malaise.
7. The company's malaise was rooted in outdated management practices.
8. A general sense of malaise seemed to hang over the gloomy town.
9. The professor addressed the academic malaise by introducing innovative teaching methods.
10. The film portrayed the malaise of modern urban life in a thought-provoking manner.
11. The malaise within the team was palpable, affecting their performance on the field.
12. Social media can contribute to a sense of malaise by promoting unrealistic expectations.
13. The musician's lyrics captured the emotional malaise of a generation, resonating with many.
14. A persistent malaise clouded her thoughts, making it hard to focus.
15. The office was filled with a palpable sense of malaise today.
16. His malaise deepened as the rainy weather continued unabated.
17. The malaise in the room lifted when laughter filled the air.
18. She tried to shake off the lingering malaise from her illness.
19. The malaise in the city was evident in its empty streets.
20. An unexpected malaise settled in, casting a shadow over the party.
21. Despite the malaise, they pushed through the challenging project.
22. The malaise of uncertainty hung heavy in the courtroom.
23. The malaise of a long commute drained his enthusiasm.
24. A sudden malaise washed over her as memories resurfaced.