Here you’ll find 24 Emotions that start with U, organized from “Unappreciated” to “Uptight”. They cover subtle interpersonal feelings and mental states useful for writing, teaching, and therapy.

Emotions that start with U are feelings whose English labels begin with the letter U. A notable example is the “uncanny”, explored in psychology as a distinct, unsettling experience.

Below you’ll find the table with Emotion, Type, Definition, and Example.

Emotion: The entry name itself; you can scan it to find the feeling you need or want to study.

Type: A quick label (Positive, Negative, or Neutral) that helps you choose words by tone and intent.

Definition: A concise one-sentence meaning so you understand each emotion’s core sense and nuance quickly.

Example: A short sentence showing common use so you can picture the feeling in context or in dialogue.

Emotions that start with U

NameTypePart of speechMeaning
UnhappinessNegativenounA state of not feeling happy.
UnhappyNegativeadjectiveNot feeling joy; sad or dissatisfied.
UpsetNegativeadjectiveDistressed or emotionally disturbed.
UneaseNegativenounMild anxiety or discomfort.
UneasinessNegativenounFeeling of anxiety or restlessness.
UneasyNegativeadjectiveFeeling anxious, uncomfortable, or ill at ease.
UncertaintyNeutralnounLack of sureness or predictability.
UncertainNeutraladjectiveNot sure or definite; feeling doubt.
UnsettledNegativeadjectiveDisturbed, anxious, or not at ease.
UnrestNegativenounEmotional agitation or inner turmoil.
UpliftedPositiveadjectiveFeeling elevated, inspired, or buoyed emotionally.
UpliftingPositiveadjectiveInspiring positive emotion or hope.
UnderwhelmedNegativeadjectiveDisappointed by something’s lack of impact.
UnimpressedNegativeadjectiveNot feeling admiration or approval.
UnnervedNegativeadjectiveMade nervous, unsettled, or shaken.
UncomfortableNegativeadjectiveFeeling physical or emotional discomfort or awkwardness.
UnappreciatedNegativeadjectiveFeeling that one’s efforts are undervalued.
UnlovedNegativeadjectiveFeeling not loved or cared for.
UninspiredNegativeadjectiveLacking enthusiasm, creativity, or emotional drive.
UninterestedNeutraladjectiveNot feeling interest or curiosity.
UptightNegativeadjectiveTense, anxious, or rigidly controlled emotionally.
UnsureNeutraladjectiveNot confident or certain; feeling doubt.
UnconcernedNeutraladjectiveNot worried or emotionally affected; indifferent.
UnmovedNeutraladjectiveNot emotionally affected or touched.

Descriptions

Unhappiness
A general negative mood marked by sadness or dissatisfaction; “After the breakup she experienced prolonged unhappiness.”
Unhappy
Used to describe someone feeling sadness or disappointment; “He was unhappy about the decision.”
Upset
A broad negative state of being emotionally shaken, angry, or hurt; “I’m upset after that argument.”
Unease
A low-level worry or tension about a situation; “There was a strange unease in the office.”
Uneasiness
Slight anxiety that something is wrong or awkward; “She felt uneasiness before the interview.”
Uneasy
Describes being on edge or nervous in a situation; “I felt uneasy walking home alone.”
Uncertainty
An affective state of not knowing what will happen next; often produces tentative behavior; “Uncertainty made her hesitate.”
Uncertain
Used when someone lacks confidence about future events; “He felt uncertain about the outcome.”
Unsettled
A lingering, uncomfortable emotional state after a troubling event; “She remained unsettled after the call.”
Unrest
Can describe inner emotional disturbance or broader social agitation; “There was unrest among the team.”
Uplifted
A positive, energized mood often after good news or beauty; “The kind words left her uplifted.”
Uplifting
Describes experiences that produce warmth, inspiration, or consolation; “The film was uplifting and warm.”
Underwhelmed
A feeling of letdown when expectations aren’t met; “I was underwhelmed by the concert.”
Unimpressed
Expresses lack of positive emotional reaction or indifference; “She was unimpressed by the presentation.”
Unnerved
Describes being thrown off balance emotionally by an event; “The surprise announcement unnerved him.”
Uncomfortable
A common negative feeling in awkward, tense, or unfamiliar situations; “I felt uncomfortable at the dinner.”
Unappreciated
A painful emotion arising from perceived lack of recognition; “He felt unappreciated at work.”
Unloved
A deep, often painful sense of lacking affection or belonging; “As a child she often felt unloved.”
Uninspired
A flat mood marked by low motivation and interest; “He felt uninspired to start the project.”
Uninterested
A lack of emotional engagement or concern that can feel neutral or dismissive; “She was uninterested in small talk.”
Uptight
Describes someone who is stressed, nervous, or easily upset; ” He’s uptight about making mistakes.”
Unsure
A mild state of indecision or hesitation about choices; “I was unsure how to respond.”
Unconcerned
Lack of worry or involvement, sometimes protective or aloof; “He seemed unconcerned about the news.”
Unmoved
Describes someone who shows little or no emotional reaction; “She remained unmoved by the story.”
If you think there is a missing term, let us know using the contact form.