Dissatisfied Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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dissatisfied

[ˌdɪsˈsætɪsfaɪd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling

Not content or pleased with something; feeling unhappy or unsatisfied.

Synonyms

discontent, displeased, unhappy, unsatisfied.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dissatisfied

This word is used when someone is not happy with a service, product, or outcome and it usually relates to unmet expectations.

  • She was dissatisfied with the quality of the meal at the restaurant.
  • The employees were dissatisfied with the new company policies.
unhappy

This word is a general term for not being happy. It can be used in various contexts to describe someone's mood, feelings about a situation, or general state of being.

  • He was unhappy with the results of the test.
  • She felt unhappy after the argument.
unsatisfied

This word is less commonly used than 'dissatisfied' and often refers to a lack of fulfillment or a need that has not been completely met. It is often used in a more formal context.

  • The customer remained unsatisfied despite the company's efforts to resolve the issue.
  • She felt unsatisfied with her job and wanted a change.
discontent

This word refers to a general feeling of unhappiness or dissatisfaction that may be felt collectively or individually and is often used in a broader, more abstract sense.

  • There was a lot of discontent among the citizens due to the government's new law.
  • He expressed his discontent with the current state of affairs.
displeased

This word is used when someone is annoyed or not pleased with something or someone. It often conveys a sense of personal irritation.

  • The boss was displeased with the team's performance.
  • She looked displeased when she heard the news.

Examples of usage

  • I was dissatisfied with the service I received at the restaurant.
  • She was dissatisfied with her current job and decided to look for a new one.
Context #2 | Verb

action

To be unhappy with something; to feel that something is not good enough.

Synonyms

discontented, displeased, unfulfilled, unhappy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dissatisfied

When someone is not happy with a service, product, or situation because it did not meet their expectations.

  • She was dissatisfied with the food at the restaurant.
  • He felt dissatisfied with the customer service.
displeased

When someone feels annoyed or offended by something specific. Often used for less severe irritation or when someone feels let down.

  • She was displeased with the noise from the party next door.
  • He was displeased by her lateness.
unhappy

A general state of not feeling happy. It can range from mild discomfort to deep sadness without implying any specific reason.

  • She looked unhappy during the meeting.
  • He was unhappy with his grades this semester.
discontented

When someone is generally unhappy or restless with their current state or condition. This word has a more permanent or ongoing sense.

  • He felt discontented with his job.
  • The villagers were discontented with the new policies.
unfulfilled

When someone feels that their goals, needs, or desires have not been met, often in a more existential or emotional sense.

  • He felt unfulfilled in his career.
  • Many people feel unfulfilled despite having material success.

Examples of usage

  • She dissatisfied with the quality of the product and returned it to the store.
  • The customer dissatisfied with the service and demanded a refund.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Dissatisfaction can lead to motivation for change, as it drives people to seek better conditions or experiences.
  • Research suggests that chronic dissatisfaction may contribute to anxiety and depression if not addressed.

Pop Culture

  • In music, many songs express feelings of dissatisfaction with life or relationships, resonating with listeners' experiences.
  • Movies often depict characters striving to overcome dissatisfaction, emphasizing personal growth and resolution.

Literature

  • Classic literature often explores themes of dissatisfaction, such as characters seeking fulfillment or grappling with societal norms.
  • Books like 'The Great Gatsby' illustrate how the quest for happiness can lead to a sense of never truly being satisfied.

Sociology

  • Dissatisfaction in society can manifest in movements for change, such as protests, when groups feel their needs are unmet.
  • Studies show that economic and social factors can greatly influence levels of satisfaction among different populations.

Origin of 'dissatisfied'

Main points about word origin

  • The word combines the prefix 'dis-' meaning 'not' and 'satisfy' which comes from the Latin 'satisfacere', meaning 'to meet' or 'to fulfill.'
  • First recorded in English usage in the late 14th century, showing that people have been feeling unsatisfied for centuries.

The word 'dissatisfied' originated from the combination of the prefix 'dis-' meaning 'not' and the word 'satisfied', which comes from the Latin word 'satisfacere' meaning 'to satisfy'. The term has been in use since the 16th century to describe a lack of contentment or pleasure with something.


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

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,910 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.