malaise
UK: mæˈleɪz | US: məˈleɪz
n. a general feeling of discomfort, illness, or unease
n. a sense of stagnation or dissatisfaction in a societal or political context
The word "malaise" originates from Old French, combining "mal" (bad) and "aise" (ease or comfort). "Mal" traces back to Latin "malus" (bad), while "aise" derives from Latin "adjacens" (lying nearby, at ease). The term originally described physical discomfort but later expanded to metaphorical contexts, such as societal discontent. The logic is straightforward: "bad ease" → a state of unease or discomfort.
After the long flight, she woke up with a lingering malaise.
The economic downturn created a sense of malaise among workers.
His unexplained malaise prompted a visit to the doctor.
The political speech addressed the national malaise.
A vague malaise hung over the team after their defeat.