What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
unrest
Example
The country is experiencing widespread unrest due to the government's policies. [unrest: noun]
Example
The workers' union organized a protest to express their unrest with the company's management. [unrest: noun]
upheaval
Example
The company underwent a major upheaval after the CEO resigned. [upheaval: noun]
Example
The country experienced a period of upheaval during the civil war. [upheaval: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Unrest is more commonly used than upheaval in everyday language, as it covers a wider range of situations and contexts. Upheaval is a more specific term that is often used in more formal or academic settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between unrest and upheaval?
While unrest is typically associated with a neutral or informal tone, upheaval is more formal and academic in nature, and is often used in historical or political contexts.
