underlying unease
noun phraseUK /ˌʌndəˈlaɪɪŋ ʌnˈiːz/
US /ˌʌndərˈlaɪɪŋ ʌnˈiːz/
A quiet, worried feeling that stays in the background.
There was an underlying unease in the room even though everyone was smiling.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A mild sense of discomfort that is not openly expressed.
She felt an underlying unease about the new plan but said nothing.
3. A general feeling that something is not quite right.
The calm weather could not hide the underlying unease in the town.
4. A low-level worry that affects mood without a clear cause.
His underlying unease made it hard to relax at the party.