ongerust

Ongerust is a Dutch adjective meaning feeling worried or uneasy about something, often because of potential danger, uncertainty, or bad news. It can describe either a person’s internal state or a broader public sentiment. In everyday usage, one might say “Ik ben ongerust over de uitkomsten” or “De inwoners waren ongerust na het bericht.” The noun form is ongerustheid, referring to the feeling of concern itself.

Etymology: The word is formed from the negating prefix on- and the adjective gerust (“at ease”), indicating a lack of ease. It dates from the early modern period in Dutch. The nuance is a milder form of fear than angst or dread, and it is often used to describe situational unease rather than a concrete threat.

Usage: Ongerust expresses a temporary emotional state rather than a fixed trait. It can describe both individuals and groups. It is often used alongside bezorgd, though ongerust emphasizes unease about what may happen rather than concern about duties or responsibilities. Common constructions include “ongersust zijn over” or “de situatie maakte de mensen ongerust.” The related noun ongerustheid is used to describe the general mood of concern.

See also: gerust, bezorgd, angstig, ongerustheid.