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

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

Donald Trump won a close but decisive victory over Kamala Harris in an election where national discontent carried the day amid record voter turnout.

From Slate

The rise of Christian nationalism in the 1980s, the government shutdowns in the 1990s, the emergence of the tea party in the 2000s, along with an atomized and increasingly partisan media, fueled a politics of recrimination and discontent.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• displeasure
• regret
• restlessness
• uneasiness
• unhappiness