dissatisfaction

[ dis-sat-is-fak-shuhn, dis-sat- ]

noun

1. the state or attitude of not being satisfied; discontent; displeasure.

   Synonyms: uneasiness, disapproval, disappointment

2. a particular cause or feeling of displeasure or disappointment:

   many dissatisfactions with the plan.

dissatisfaction

/ dɪsˌsætɪsˈfækʃən /

noun

1. the state of being unsatisfied or disappointed

Derived Forms

• ˌdissatisˈfactory, adjective

Other Words From

• predis·satis·faction noun
• self-dis·satis·faction noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of dissatisfaction¹

First recorded in 1630–40; dis- ¹ + satisfaction

Synonym Study

Dissatisfaction, discontent, displeasure imply a sense of dislike for, or unhappiness in, one's surroundings. Dissatisfaction results from contemplating what falls short of one's wishes or expectations: dissatisfaction with the results of an afternoon's work. Discontent is a sense of lack and a general feeling of uneasy dislike for the conditions of one's life: feeling a continual vague discontent. Displeasure suggests a certain amount of anger as well as dissatisfaction: displeasure at being kept waiting.

Example Sentences

Although it has since moderated, inflation remains a key issue for voters, with many citing dissatisfaction with rising prices as a factor in their support for Trump.

From Salon

But the deepest truth cannot get lost in all of that: Unfortunately, this country will always default to its original tenets of racism and misogyny in the face of fear, frustration, or just plain dissatisfaction.

From Slate

J. Miles Coleman, the associate editor of Sabatao's Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia's Center for Politics, noted that Americans' dissatisfaction with the Biden administration could be seen in the 28% of voters in the CBS exit poll who said they needed change and the 32% of voters who said the economy mattered most in deciding their vote overwhelmingly choosing Trump.

From Salon

The dissatisfaction that likely drove Americans overall toward the president-elect may have been more pronounced in Latino communities, a historically strong Democratic group, this election cycle, he argued.

From Salon

Her opponents dismissed that progress as too little, too late, and seized on voter dissatisfaction to pitch themselves as more qualified alternatives.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• annoyance
• anxiety
• boredom
• complaint
• disappointment
• disapproval
• discomfort
• discontent
• dismay
• displeasure
• disquiet
• distaste
• exasperation
• frustration
• irritation
• regret
• resentment
• uneasiness
• unhappiness
• weariness