Qualm/kwɑːm/ Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Ethical Doubt Expresses hesitation due to a moral or an ethical dilemma rather than a simple decision. She experienced a qualm about reading her sister's diary. Pro Tip 2/3Inner Conflict Used when someone feels inner discomfort about a choice that conflicts with their values. He had a qualm about the company's environmental policies. Pro Tip 3/3Slight Unease Represents a mild and often temporary feeling of discomfort or worry, not intense fear. As the deadline approached, she felt a qualm of anxiety.