discontent

[ dis-kuhn-tent ]

adjective

1. not content; dissatisfied; discontented.

noun

1. Also discontentment. lack of contentment; dissatisfaction.

   Synonyms: uneasiness, restlessness, inquietude, displeasure

2. a restless desire or craving for something one does not have.
3. a malcontent.

verb (used with object)

1. to make discontented; dissatisfy; displease.

discontent

/ ˌdɪskənˈtɛnt /

noun

1. Also calleddiscontentment lack of contentment, as with one's condition or lot in life
2. a discontented person

adjective

1. dissatisfied

verb

1. tr to make dissatisfied

Derived Forms

• ˌdisconˈtentedly, adverb
• ˌdisconˈtented, adjective
• ˌdisconˈtentedness, noun

Other Words From

• pre·dis·con·tent noun
• pre·dis·con·tent·ment noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of discontent¹

First recorded in 1485–95; dis- ¹ + content ²

Synonym Study

See dissatisfaction.

Example Sentences

The couple live on the other side of the village, so the crowds of people have not bothered them too much, but Matthew said he had heard rumblings of discontent from other residents.

From BBC

Wittich has been less overtly controversial in his role, but there has remained an underlying discontent within teams and drivers about the management of FIA race control.

From BBC

There has just been an overwhelming feeling of discontent and unhappiness in the cultural zeitgeist for the past four years.

From Salon

Trump will be taking office having inherited an American economy that has performed very well, despite the discontent voiced among many voters who may have been the Achilles’ heel of Vice President Kamala Harris’ candidacy.

From Los Angeles Times

“China is unhappy with the way things are going,” Mr Green says, “but they are trying to keep their discontent relatively quiet.”

From BBC

Related Words

• displeasure
• regret
• restlessness
• uneasiness
• unhappiness