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Dissatisfy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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dissatisfy

[ˌdɪsˈsætɪsfaɪ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

feeling

To cause someone to feel unhappy or unsatisfied with a situation or experience.

Synonyms

disappoint, disgruntle, displease.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dissatisfy

Use when someone or something fails to meet expectations or standards.

  • The poor service at the restaurant will dissatisfy many customers.
  • The new policy could dissatisfy many employees.
displease

Use when someone feels annoyed or not satisfied with something. Often used in formal contexts.

  • His rude behavior began to displease his colleagues.
  • The changes in the plan might displease the board of directors.
disgruntle

Use when someone feels angry or dissatisfied, usually because of unfair treatment or bad circumstances. It has a negative connotation.

  • The workers were disgruntled by the unfair wages.
  • A lack of recognition can disgruntle talented employees.
disappoint

Use when someone feels unhappy because something hoped for or expected did not happen.

  • I didn't want to disappoint you by not attending your party.
  • The movie's ending might disappoint some fans.

Examples of usage

  • The poor service at the restaurant dissatisfied the customers.
  • His constant complaints dissatisfy his colleagues.
Context #2 | Verb

result

To fail to satisfy someone's expectations or desires.

Synonyms

disappoint, frustrate, upset.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dissatisfy

This word is often used when someone or something fails to meet expectations or needs, usually in a neutral or slightly negative way. It implies a lack of satisfaction.

  • The service at the restaurant did not meet my expectations and left me dissatisfied.
  • The new policy dissatisfied many employees.
frustrate

This word is used when something or someone causes feelings of frustration, often due to being impeded or hindered in achieving a goal. It is often used in more intense situations.

  • The constant delays in the project started to frustrate the team.
  • I felt frustrated when I couldn't solve the puzzle.
disappoint

This word is used when someone fails to fulfill hopes or expectations, often causing sadness or a sense of letdown. It carries a more emotional and personal tone.

  • I was disappointed when my friend canceled our plans.
  • The movie was highly anticipated but ultimately disappointed many fans.
upset

This word is used when someone is disturbed emotionally, leading to feelings of sadness, anger, or worry. It carries a strong emotional impact and is more personal.

  • She was upset after hearing the bad news.
  • The argument with his friend left him deeply upset.

Examples of usage

  • The product quality dissatisfies the customers.
  • Her attitude dissatisfied her employer.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Dissatisfaction can trigger emotions like frustration, disappointment, or sadness, which can impact mental well-being.
  • Research shows that unmet expectations are a primary source of dissatisfaction in relationships and work environments.
  • Understanding the reasons behind dissatisfaction can lead to personal growth and improved life satisfaction.

Business

  • In customer service, dissatisfaction can lead to negative reviews and decreased loyalty; addressing concerns promptly is crucial.
  • Companies often conduct surveys to gauge customer satisfaction, identifying areas for improvement.
  • Dissatisfied employees may show decreased productivity, highlighting the importance of workplace satisfaction.

Pop Culture

  • Many songs and films explore themes of dissatisfaction in love, career, or life, resonating with audiences worldwide.
  • TV shows often portray characters who seek happiness, only to experience moments of dissatisfaction that drive their development.
  • Stand-up comedies frequently discuss everyday disappointments as a comedic way to connect with audiences.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers like Aristotle have explored concepts of satisfaction and dissatisfaction, linking them to the pursuit of happiness.
  • Existentialists argue that dissatisfaction is an inherent part of the human condition, driving us to seek meaning.
  • The idea of 'hedonism' suggests that the avoidance of dissatisfaction is key in the quest for pleasure and fulfillment.

Origin of 'dissatisfy'

Main points about word origin

  • The word is formed from the prefix 'dis-', meaning 'not', and 'satisfy', which comes from Latin roots meaning 'to make enough'.
  • It originally described a feeling of being unsatisfied with food, but has since broadened to other experiences.
  • The first known use was in the late 15th century.

The word 'dissatisfy' is a combination of 'dis-' (expressing negation) and 'satisfy' (to fulfill a desire or need). It originated in the early 17th century, evolving from the Middle French word 'dissatisfier'. Over time, it has become commonly used in English to express the feeling of unhappiness or lack of fulfillment.

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

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,996, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.