discontent
Americanadjective
noun
-
Also discontentment. lack of contentment; dissatisfaction.
- Synonyms:
- inquietude, uneasiness, displeasure, restlessness
-
a restless desire or craving for something one does not have.
-
a malcontent.
verb (used with object)
noun
-
Also called: discontentment. lack of contentment, as with one's condition or lot in life
-
a discontented person
adjective
verb
Related Words
See dissatisfaction.
Other Word Forms
- discontented adjective
- discontentedly adverb
- discontentedness noun
- prediscontent noun
- prediscontentment noun
Etymology
Origin of discontent
Explanation
When you experience discontent, you're not happy. You've been let down — either by others or by yourself. The word discontent is made up of dis, meaning "not," and content, "a state of peaceful happiness." So as an adjective, discontent means "not happy or peaceful," like the discontent Egyptian citizens who expressed their dissatisfaction with their country's leader by protesting and demanding he give up power. As a verb, discontent means "to make unhappy," like bad news that discontents you.
Vocabulary lists containing discontent
Power Prefix: dis-
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Figurative Language in King's "I Have a Dream" Speech (1963)
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Of Mice and Men
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Advertising even played a role in colonial discontent, and then the Revolution.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026
The Stamford Bridge hierarchy has placed its faith in Rosenior, but with discontent among supporters increasing, along with poor results and performances, he must hope the club hold their nerve and keep faith in him.
From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026
Powerful companies across business sectors have expressed discontent with the state’s business environment.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026
When these notions are proven wrong, public discontent becomes apparent.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 14, 2026
White Southerners could ignore the groundswell of discontent, but, especially following World War II, blacks were simply not going to tolerate a life separate from and unequal to the American mainstream.
From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
