unhappy

[ uhn-hap-ee ]

adjective

, un·hap·pi·er, un·hap·pi·est.

1. sad; miserable; wretched:

   Why is she so unhappy?

   Synonyms: distressed, cheerless, downcast, sorrowful

2. unfortunate; unlucky:

   an unhappy incident.

   Synonyms: hapless

3. unfavorable; inauspicious:

   an unhappy omen.

   Synonyms: unpropitious

4. infelicitous; unsuitable:

   an unhappy choice of words.

   Synonyms: inapt, inappropriate

5. Archaic. causing trouble; reprehensible; troublesome.

unhappy

/ ʌnˈhæpɪ /

adjective

1. not joyful; sad or depressed
2. unfortunate or wretched

   an unhappy fellow

3. tactless or inappropriate

   an unhappy remark

4. archaic.
   unfavourable

Derived Forms

• unˈhappily, adverb
• unˈhappiness, noun

Other Words From

• un·happi·ly adverb
• un·happi·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unhappy¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English: “causing misfortune, objectionable”; un- ¹ + happy

Example Sentences

Captain Harry Kane is unhappy with the number of players who have withdrawn from the latest England squad, insisting "England comes before club".

From BBC

“He's going to be of the opinion that he should be the breadwinner, but he knows she's a strong woman. That's been one of the cool things about their sort of relationship, is that she barks back at him. When she's unhappy with something he says she's the first one to tell him where to go and how it's going to be.”

From Salon

There are parts of their game I am unhappy with, but they are also playing some really good stuff.

From BBC

People have been very unhappy for the past four years in this country and I think inflation has simply become the symbol of that unhappiness.

From Salon

Joseph, 27, was unhappy with a field placement off his bowling, and did not celebrate dismissing Jordan Cox before walking off at the end of the fourth over.

From BBC

Related Words

• depressed
• despondent
• miserable
• not happy
• sorry