Displeasure Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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displeasure

[dɪsˈplɛʒə ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

expressing dissatisfaction

A feeling of annoyance or disappointment; dissatisfaction.

Synonyms

disappointment, discontent, disgruntlement, irritation.

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Word Description / Examples
displeasure

Used to express a mild or polite form of dissatisfaction or annoyance, often in formal or professional settings.

  • Her father showed his displeasure at her poor grades
  • The manager's displeasure was evident in his tone
discontent

Minutes feelings of dissatisfaction or unrest, often used in the context of social or political scenarios.

  • There was widespread discontent among the workers due to low wages
  • The citizens expressed their discontent with the new law
disappointment

Appropriate when someone is let down because their expectations were not met. Often used in personal relationships or when goals are not achieved.

  • She felt a deep sense of disappointment when she didn't get the job
  • His parents' disappointment was clear when he failed the exam
irritation

Used to describe a stronger, more immediate feeling of annoyance or minor anger, often in response to small inconveniences or repetitive actions.

  • His constant humming caused her irritation to grow
  • The traffic jam was a source of major irritation for the commuters
disgruntlement

Describes a more intense dissatisfaction or resentment, often in the context of workplace or customer relations.

  • The employees' disgruntlement was clear during the meeting
  • Customer disgruntlement over the delayed delivery was mounting

Examples of usage

  • He couldn't hide his displeasure at the result of the game.
  • She expressed her displeasure with the service by leaving a negative review.
  • I sensed a hint of displeasure in his voice when he spoke about the decision.
  • The customer's displeasure was evident from the frown on her face.
  • We tried to address their displeasure by offering a refund.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Displeasure can lead to a range of emotions including sadness, anger, or frustration, affecting one's mood and behavior.
  • Feeling displeasure is a natural response that can help individuals identify issues they may want to change in their lives.

Literature

  • Many classic authors, such as Jane Austen, explored themes of displeasure in relationships, revealing character depth and social commentary.
  • In Shakespeare's works, displeasure often serves as a catalyst for conflict and character development.

Art

  • Artists sometimes depict scenes of displeasure to evoke strong emotional responses in viewers, using color and composition.
  • Famous paintings, like Edvard Munch's 'The Scream', capture the essence of human discomfort and displeasure.

Pop Culture

  • Characters in movies often experience displeasure as a turning point that leads them to growth or change.
  • In music, many songs address themes of displeasure in love, highlighting relatable feelings of heartbreak and sadness.

Origin of 'displeasure'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old French 'desplaisir', meaning to not please.
  • It is formed by adding the prefix 'dis-' meaning 'not' to 'pleasure', which refers to a feeling of joy.

The word 'displeasure' originated in the late Middle English period, derived from the Old French word 'desplaisir', which means 'lack of pleasure'. Over time, it evolved to its current usage in English to describe a feeling of annoyance or dissatisfaction.


See also: pleasurable.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,149, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.