Unhappiness: meaning, definitions and examples

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unhappiness

 

[ʌnˈhæpɪnɪs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

feeling

Unhappiness is the state of feeling sad, lonely, or not satisfied with life.

Synonyms

depression, misery, sadness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unhappiness

A general feeling of not being happy or satisfied. It can be used in both personal and broader contexts.

  • Her constant unhappiness at work made her consider changing careers.
  • The team's unhappiness with the decision was evident during the meeting.
sadness

A temporary feeling of sorrow or unhappiness, typically caused by something specific. It is less intense and less prolonged than depression or misery.

  • The movie brought tears of sadness to many in the audience.
  • He felt a deep sadness when his childhood pet passed away.
misery

Intense and prolonged suffering or unhappiness. It often refers to physical or emotional distress that feels unbearable.

  • The refugees lived in misery after losing everything in the conflict.
  • She couldn't bear to see him in such misery after the accident.
depression

A medical condition involving persistent feelings of extreme sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of energy. It is more severe than general unhappiness or sadness.

  • He was diagnosed with depression after struggling with constant fatigue and a lack of interest in his favorite activities.
  • Seeking professional help is important if someone is experiencing symptoms of depression.

Examples of usage

  • I could see the unhappiness in her eyes.
  • He was overwhelmed with a sense of unhappiness.
Context #2 | Noun

result

Unhappiness can also refer to the result of not being happy or content.

Synonyms

discontent, dissatisfaction, gloom.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unhappiness

General feeling of not being happy. It can be used in a variety of situations, particularly when someone is feeling down or upset.

  • She experienced profound unhappiness after the breakup
  • Despite his success, he couldn't shake his unhappiness
discontent

A specific feeling of dissatisfaction or lack of contentment, often involving disapproval or displeasure. It is frequently used in contexts where someone is unhappy with a specific situation or condition.

  • There was a general sense of discontent among the employees
  • His discontent with the current government was obvious
dissatisfaction

A feeling of not being satisfied, often relating to unmet expectations or standards. It is commonly used when discussing services, products, or performances.

  • Her dissatisfaction with the meal was clear
  • The customer expressed his dissatisfaction with the company's service
gloom

A deep, pervasive sense of sadness or pessimism, often accompanied by a lack of hope. It is frequently used to describe a more intense and often prolonged state of negativity.

  • The news of the layoffs cast a gloom over the entire office
  • He couldn't escape the gloom that settled over him after the accident

Examples of usage

  • The unhappiness in the workplace led to low productivity.
  • The unhappiness in their relationship eventually led to a breakup.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Studies find that unhappiness can come from unmet expectations, leading to feelings of disappointment.
  • People often express their unhappiness through art, using it as a way to process their feelings.

Literature

  • Many classic novels explore deep themes of unhappiness, highlighting the struggles of their characters, like in 'Anna Karenina.'
  • Poets often capture the essence of unhappiness, making it a central theme in works from John Keats to Sylvia Plath.

History

  • Throughout history, social movements have often emerged from collective unhappiness, such as labor rights and civil rights.
  • Philosophers like Aristotle believed that unhappiness stems from lack of virtue or living a good life.

Pop Culture

  • In cinema, films like 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind' focus on the complexities of relationships and moments of unhappiness.
  • Song lyrics frequently explore themes of unhappiness, resonating with listeners and reflecting universal feelings.

Science

  • Research shows that chronic unhappiness can lead to various health issues, including heart disease.
  • The science of happiness studies how social connections and a sense of purpose can help reduce unhappiness.

Translations

Translations of the word "unhappiness" in other languages:

🇵🇹 infelicidade

🇮🇳 असंतोष

🇩🇪 Unglück

🇮🇩 ketidakbahagiaan

🇺🇦 нещастя

🇵🇱 nieszczęście

🇯🇵 不幸 (ふこう)

🇫🇷 malheur

🇪🇸 infelicidad

🇹🇷 mutsuzluk

🇰🇷 불행 (bulhaeng)

🇸🇦 تعاسة

🇨🇿 neštěstí

🇸🇰 nešťastie

🇨🇳 不幸福 (bù xìngfú)

🇸🇮 nesreča

🇮🇸 óhamingja

🇰🇿 бақытсыздық

🇬🇪 უბედურება

🇦🇿 bədbəxtlik

🇲🇽 infelicidad

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,572, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.