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Synonyms

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

adjective

  1. dissatisfied

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

verb

  1. (tr) to make dissatisfied

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Shutdowns of mobile internet in Moscow and other cities have hurt the economy, and discontent over internet restrictions is rising.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

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 weak economy is one reason for voter discontent.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026

Council President and chairman of the talks Costa added to the chorus of discontent, describing Hungary's actions as "completely unacceptable".

From BBC • Mar. 20, 2026

While I outwardly express discontent about our lack of any real participation, I’m busy with my own agenda.

From "Mockingjay" by Suzanne Collins