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Dissatisfying: meaning, definitions and examples

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dissatisfying

 

[ˌdɪsˈsætɪsfaɪɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling

Causing or tending to cause dissatisfaction; not satisfying or fulfilling.

Synonyms

disappointing, displeasing, unsatisfactory.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dissatisfying

When something does not meet your expectations or needs. It often implies that something could be better.

  • The meal was dissatisfying; it didn't fill me up at all.
  • Her explanation was dissatisfying because it lacked detail.
unsatisfactory

Used in more formal or official contexts to describe something that is not good enough according to set standards.

  • The service at the hotel was unsatisfactory.
  • The results of the experiment were unsatisfactory, so we need to try again.
displeasing

When something causes annoyance or displeasure. It can have a slightly more negative connotation than the other words.

  • His rude behavior was very displeasing.
  • The constant noise from the construction site is displeasing.
disappointing

Used when something fails to fulfill hopes or expectations, causing a feeling of sadness or letdown.

  • The game was disappointing; our team lost.
  • It was disappointing to find out the concert was canceled.

Examples of usage

  • It was a dissatisfying experience for the customers.
  • The dissatisfying meal left everyone hungry.
Context #2 | Adjective

result

Failing to meet expectations or hopes; disappointing.

Synonyms

subpar, unfulfilling, unrewarding.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dissatisfying

Used to describe something that fails to meet expectations or does not bring contentment.

  • The meal was dissatisfying, leaving everyone still hungry.
  • His half-hearted apology was deeply dissatisfying.
unfulfilling

Used when something does not satisfy emotional or psychological needs, often in a context related to work or personal life.

  • Her job is well-paying but unfulfilling, leaving her with a sense of emptiness.
  • Despite his wealth, he finds his life unfulfilling and seeks deeper meaning.
unrewarding

Used to describe something that does not provide satisfaction or a sense of achievement, often relating to efforts invested.

  • Volunteering at the shelter felt unrewarding when no progress was seen.
  • Years of hard work felt unrewarding when the project was canceled.
subpar

Informal term used to indicate that something is below average or below the usual standard.

  • The hotel room was subpar, with outdated furniture and unclean sheets.
  • Her performance in the game was subpar, leading to the team's loss.

Examples of usage

  • The dissatisfying outcome of the project led to its failure.
  • His dissatisfying performance in the game cost them the victory.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the prefix 'dis-' meaning 'not' and 'satisfying', which means 'making you happy'.
  • It appeared in the English language around the late 19th century, reflecting growing complexity in emotions.
  • Related forms include 'satisfy' and 'satisfaction' which convey the opposite feeling.

Psychology

  • A person's perception of dissatisfaction can stem from unmet expectations or desires.
  • Cognitive dissonance, a mental discomfort, can occur when reality doesn’t match one’s expectations, leading to feelings of dissatisfaction.
  • Chronic dissatisfaction is linked to heightened stress and can impact overall well-being.

Pop Culture

  • Many movies and books explore themes of dissatisfaction, often showing characters on a quest for fulfillment.
  • Songs frequently address feelings of loneliness and dissatisfaction, resonating with listeners' emotions.
  • Reality television often highlights the dissatisfying aspects of life, contrasting perceived perfection with everyday struggles.

Business

  • In customer service, understanding what makes experiences dissatisfying is crucial for improving services.
  • Surveys often measure customer satisfaction, with a key focus on identifying areas that may lead to dissatisfaction.
  • Employee dissatisfaction can significantly impact productivity and organizational success.

Philosophy

  • Existential philosophers discuss dissatisfaction as a part of the human condition, emphasizing the search for meaning.
  • The concept of dissatisfaction can lead to growth, prompting individuals to seek change or improvement.
  • In ethics, the idea of dissatisfaction may influence moral decisions, as one considers the impacts of their actions on others' happiness.

Translations

Translations of the word "dissatisfying" in other languages:

🇵🇹 insatisfatório

🇮🇳 असंतोषजनक

🇩🇪 unbefriedigend

🇮🇩 tidak memuaskan

🇺🇦 незадовільний

🇵🇱 niesatysfakcjonujący

🇯🇵 満足できない

🇫🇷 insatisfaisant

🇪🇸 insatisfactorio

🇹🇷 tatmin edici olmayan

🇰🇷 불만족스러운

🇸🇦 غير مرضي

🇨🇿 neuspokojivý

🇸🇰 neuspokojivý

🇨🇳 不令人满意的

🇸🇮 nezadovoljiv

🇮🇸 ófullnægjandi

🇰🇿 қанағаттандырмайтын

🇬🇪 არადამაკმაყოფილებელი

🇦🇿 qaneedici olmayan

🇲🇽 insatisfactorio

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,615, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.