Dissatisfaction Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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dissatisfaction

[ˌdɪs.sæt.ɪsˈfæk.ʃən ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

feeling

the feeling of not being satisfied or pleased with something

Synonyms

discontent, discontentment, disgruntlement, displeasure.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dissatisfaction

This term is broad and used to express a general feeling of not being satisfied with a situation, service, or outcome.

  • She voiced her dissatisfaction with the company's customer service.
  • His dissatisfaction with his job led him to look for new opportunities.
discontent

This word is often used in situations where there is a general unhappiness or restlessness about conditions, frequently in a social or political context.

  • There is widespread discontent among the citizens about the new tax laws.
  • Her discontent with the current state of affairs was evident.
displeasure

This word is often used when someone is slightly annoyed or unhappy about something, without a strong sense of anger or frustration.

  • She showed her displeasure by frowning.
  • The teacher's displeasure with the student's behavior was obvious.
discontentment

This is the noun form of 'discontent' and is used in similar contexts but emphasizes the state of being discontent.

  • The workers' discontentment grew as their demands were not met.
  • He felt a deep sense of discontentment with his monotonous routine.
disgruntlement

This term has a more negative connotation and is used to describe a feeling of irritability or anger due to unmet expectations or unfair treatment.

  • There was a clear sense of disgruntlement among the employees after the announcement of budget cuts.
  • His disgruntlement with the decision was clear from his harsh words.

Examples of usage

  • Her dissatisfaction with her job led her to look for a new one.
  • There was widespread dissatisfaction among the employees due to the pay cuts.
  • The customer expressed his dissatisfaction with the service he received.
  • The students' dissatisfaction with the school's policies prompted a protest.
  • She couldn't hide her dissatisfaction with the outcome of the project.
Context #2 | Noun

result

the state of being dissatisfied with a situation or outcome

Synonyms

discontent, discontentment, disgruntlement, displeasure.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dissatisfaction

General feeling of not being happy with an outcome, product, or service.

  • The customers expressed their dissatisfaction with the new policy
  • She had a sense of dissatisfaction with her job
discontent

Feeling of restless or unhappiness due to unmet expectations or displeasure with the current state.

  • There was growing discontent among the workers about their low wages
  • The discontent in the community was palpable
displeasure

Mild to moderate feeling of annoyance or unhappiness, often in reaction to a specific event or action.

  • She showed her displeasure by frowning
  • His displeasure was apparent when he heard the news
discontentment

Longer-lasting, deeper feeling of unhappiness and disappointment, often personal and internal.

  • Her discontentment with life was evident in her writings
  • He lived in a state of constant discontentment
disgruntlement

Strong discontent with an element of resentment or anger, often involving vocal or public complaints.

  • The employees' disgruntlement became obvious during the staff meeting
  • His disgruntlement with the administration led to a heated argument

Examples of usage

  • The dissatisfaction among the voters led to a change in leadership.
  • The team's dissatisfaction with the coach's decisions affected their performance.
  • The constant dissatisfaction with the product quality resulted in a decline in sales.
  • His dissatisfaction with the current political climate prompted him to run for office.
  • The dissatisfaction with the status quo fueled the movement for change.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Dissatisfaction can be a strong motivator for change, often leading individuals to seek new opportunities or solutions.
  • Research shows that chronic dissatisfaction can impact mental health, leading to stress or anxiety.
  • People often express dissatisfaction when their needs or expectations are unmet, which can vary from person to person.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Many cultures have proverbs or sayings about dissatisfaction, encouraging individuals to seek contentment and appreciate what they have.
  • In modern consumer culture, advertisements often play on feelings of dissatisfaction to encourage people to buy new products.
  • Arts and literature often explore themes of dissatisfaction as a way to critique society or provoke thought about personal fulfillment.

Literature

  • In classic literature, characters often experience dissatisfaction as a driving force behind their journeys, leading to growth and self-discovery.
  • Famous works like 'The Great Gatsby' highlight dissatisfaction with the American Dream, portraying characters that are unfulfilled despite wealth and status.
  • Dissatisfaction is a common theme in existential literature, where protagonists often struggle with the meaning of life and their place in the world.

Economics

  • Dissatisfaction can influence consumer behavior, leading to brand switching when customers feel their needs are not being met.
  • In economics, it's recognized that dissatisfaction plays a role in labor market dynamics, affecting employee turnover rates in organizations.
  • Measuring customer satisfaction helps businesses identify areas for improvement, highlighting the importance of addressing dissatisfaction.

Origin of 'dissatisfaction'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the prefix 'dis-', which means 'not', and 'satisfaction', which means being happy or content.
  • It first appeared in the English language around the 15th century, when people started to express their feelings of less than full happiness.
  • Related words include 'satisfy' (to be happy) and 'satisfaction', highlighting the connection to feelings of contentment.

The word dissatisfaction originated from the combination of 'dis-' (a prefix indicating negation or reversal) and 'satisfaction' (the state of being satisfied or content). It first appeared in the English language in the mid-17th century. The concept of dissatisfaction has been explored in various philosophical and psychological contexts, highlighting its impact on personal well-being and societal dynamics. Over time, the word has evolved to encompass a range of nuanced meanings related to discontentment and the desire for improvement or change.


See also: disatisfaction, dissatisfied, dissatisfiedly, dissatisfy, dissatisfying, insatisfactory, satisfaction, satisfactorily, satisfactoriness, satisfactory, satisfied, satisfy, satisfying, satisfyingly, unsatisfactorily, unsatisfactory, unsatisfying.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,803 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.