discontent

American  

[dis-kuhn-tent] / ˌdɪs kənˈtɛnt /

adjective

1. not content; dissatisfied; discontented.

---

noun

1. Also discontentment. lack of contentment; dissatisfaction.

   Synonyms:

   inquietude, uneasiness, displeasure, restlessness

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 British  

/ ˌdɪskənˈtɛnt /

noun

1. Also called: discontentment.  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

Related Words

See dissatisfaction.

Other Word Forms

• discontented adjective
• discontentedly adverb
• discontentedness noun
• prediscontent noun
• prediscontentment noun

Etymology

Origin of discontent

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

Example Sentences

The protests were rare public displays of discontent by a populace that’s endured Western-imposed economic sanctions and a sclerotic, corruption-riddled economy that has hobbled much of this oil-rich country of 93 million into poverty.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 24, 2026

The families have never been happy with that outcome, and made that clear on the steps of Nottingham Crown Court after the sentencing, expressing their discontent with elements of the police investigation.

From BBC • Mar. 20, 2026

The label moved to Los Angeles, allegedly to be closer to the film industry but also to evade worker discontent with “substandard royalty rates.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026

In the months leading up to the coup attempt, there were reports of discontent in the ranks, and a few soldiers had been arrested.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 12, 2026

A number of scythes applauded, but several rose up and shouted their grievous discontent at the issue being tabled.

From "Scythe" by Neal Shusterman

Related Words

• displeasure
• regret
• restlessness
• uneasiness
• unhappiness