discontent

[ dis-kuhn-tent ]

adjective

1. not content; dissatisfied; discontented.

noun

1. Also discontentment. lack of contentment; dissatisfaction.

   Synonyms: uneasiness, restlessness, inquietude, displeasure

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

/ ˌdɪskənˈtɛnt /

noun

1. Also calleddiscontentment 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

Derived Forms

• ˌdisconˈtentedly, adverb
• ˌdisconˈtented, adjective
• ˌdisconˈtentedness, noun

Other Words From

• pre·dis·con·tent noun
• pre·dis·con·tent·ment noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of discontent¹

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

Synonym Study

See dissatisfaction.

Example Sentences

Understanding what’s driving this climate of discontent is a necessary framework for understanding our own situation.

From Salon

There were moments during the summer when private discontent among Davies’s own colleagues threatened to spill over into a public challenge to his leadership.

From BBC

The 2024 election was an almost textbook example of a referendum where a discontent public, angry at the incumbents about “the economy” and the general direction of the country and its future, voted for change.

From Salon

But the rise in far-right populism internationally is a warning for the future – of how concern over immigration can be made a focus for other discontents and create turbulent politics.

From BBC

His appeal isn’t rooted in reason or fact; it’s a gut-level, emotionally charged force, a dark mythic archetype tapping into America’s discontent.

From Salon

Related Words

• displeasure
• regret
• restlessness
• uneasiness
• unhappiness