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Malcontent Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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malcontent

[หˆmรฆlหŒkษ™nหŒtษ›nt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

person

A malcontent is a person who is always dissatisfied and rebellious, often due to a sense of injustice or unfair treatment.

Synonyms

dissident, rebel, troublemaker.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
malcontent

This is used for someone who is dissatisfied or unhappy with current situations, institutions, or leaders, often expressing their discontent publicly.

  • The malcontent workers staged a protest to voice their concerns about the working conditions.
  • She was known as a malcontent due to her constant complaints about the government's policies.
dissident

This term is often used to describe a person who actively challenges an established doctrine, policy, or institution, particularly in political contexts.

  • The dissident was arrested for leading a demonstration against the oppressive regime.
  • Many dissident writers risked their lives to expose corruption in the government.
rebel

A rebel is someone who resists or defies authority or control. This term is often used in the context of uprisings, revolts, or significant opposition movements.

  • He was considered a rebel for his role in organizing the revolt against the dictatorship.
  • The teenage rebel refused to conform to the traditional rules of his conservative family.
troublemaker

This word has a negative connotation and refers to someone who habitually causes trouble or conflict, often without good reason.

  • The new student was labeled a troublemaker because of his constant pranks and disruptions in class.
  • Despite his bright mind, he was known more as a troublemaker due to his tendency to create conflicts in the workplace.

Examples of usage

  • The malcontent in the group always finds something to complain about.
  • The malcontent employee constantly undermines the authority of the managers.
Context #2 | Adjective

attitude

Malcontent can also be used as an adjective to describe someone who is chronically dissatisfied or discontented.

Synonyms

disaffected, discontented, disgruntled.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
malcontent

Used to describe someone who is always dissatisfied and rebellious, often with a sense of bitterness. Typically used for individuals who are persistently unhappy with the current state of affairs.

  • The malcontent in the office was always complaining about the company's policies.
  • He was branded a malcontent for his constant criticism of the government.
disgruntled

Used to describe someone who is annoyed or disappointed, often as a result of unmet expectations or perceived unfair treatment. Has a mildly negative connotation.

  • The disgruntled customer demanded to speak with the manager about the poor service.
  • He was disgruntled after being passed over for a promotion.
discontented

Refers to a person who is mildly unhappy or dissatisfied with a situation or condition, usually without the deeper connotations of rebellion or bitterness.

  • The discontented employees sought a change in management to improve working conditions.
  • She felt discontented with her job even though it paid well.
disaffected

Describes a person or group that feels alienated or disconnected from authority or society, often leading to a sense of rebellion or political dissent.

  • The disaffected youth turned to protests to express their disillusionment with the educational system.
  • Some members of the party became disaffected and left to form their own group.

Examples of usage

  • His malcontent attitude made it difficult to work with him.
  • The malcontent customers were never pleased with any changes made.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Shakespeare described malcontents in several of his plays, highlighting characters who were dissatisfied with societal norms.
  • The character of Hamlet is often seen as a classic malcontent who struggles with his feelings about life and duty.
  • The term has been explored in dystopian literature, where characters often express their dissatisfaction with oppressive societies.

Psychology

  • Research suggests that malcontent individuals may have higher expectations of their environments, leading to dissatisfaction.
  • Malcontent attitudes can be linked to mental health issues like anxiety and depression, as constant unhappiness affects oneโ€™s outlook.
  • People who often express their discontent may serve as catalysts for change, inspiring social movements or reforms.

Pop Culture

  • In modern media, malcontents are often portrayed as rebels who challenge the status quo, such as characters in films and novels who seek justice.
  • The term has been used in music, representing those who feel disconnected or unfulfilled in their lives, from punk rock to hip-hop.
  • Political dissenters are frequently labeled as malcontents in contemporary news articles when they protest government policies.

History

  • Historically, malcontents have played critical roles in revolutions, advocating for the rights of the oppressed, such as during the French Revolution.
  • Many famous historical figures, like Thomas Jefferson, were considered malcontents in their time for challenging authority and advocating for independence.
  • The term has been used to describe groups during times of social unrest, often seen as both dangerous and necessary for progress.

Origin of 'malcontent'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the French word 'malcontent', where 'mal' means 'bad' and 'content' means 'satisfied', literally meaning 'badly satisfied'.
  • First recorded use of the word in English dates back to the late 16th century.
  • The word originally described those who opposed the government or ruling authority.

The word 'malcontent' originated in the late 16th century from the Middle French 'malcontent', which means 'discontented'. Over time, it has evolved to refer to someone who is chronically dissatisfied or rebellious.

See also: contented, contenting, contention, contentious, contentment, discontent, discontented, discontentedly, discontentment.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,621 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.