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

New research suggests that 1 in 4 teachers are thinking about quitting due to higher stress levels and general dissatisfaction with their job.

From Ozy

Board members’ dissatisfaction with the secrecy of the contracts – some which were entered into under a rule that allows the general manager to execute contracts below $150,000 without board approval – boiled over in a board meeting.

From Voice of San Diego

While both men and women recognized the situation was imbalanced, it only led to relationship dissatisfaction among the women, unless the men were doing a lot of childcare.

From Time

Faculty from the College of Business Administration have also expressed dissatisfaction with the university’s decision-making and that they didn’t know their own colleague had harassed students in their program.

From Voice of San Diego

Bolsonaro’s mishandling of the pandemic has created ripple effects in other areas, including the economy and public health care system, all of it increasing the public’s frustration and dissatisfaction.

From Vox

Time and again, the author confuses chattering class dissatisfaction with an honest assessment of accomplishment.

From The Daily Beast

But amid this widespread and sustained dissatisfaction, 2014 was a terrible year for third-party candidates.

From The Daily Beast

Dempsey has twice made public statements that seemed to reveal his dissatisfaction with the White House policy.

From The Daily Beast

“The best hope [for getting something done] is the growing job dissatisfaction that many members feel,” he said.

From The Daily Beast

The incredible public dissatisfaction with both political parties has been building for some time.

From The Daily Beast

But the principal characters would furnish their own costumes, and that is where Lily Pendleton began to lose her dissatisfaction.

From Project Gutenberg

For a short time his dissatisfaction with The Oprichnik filled him with such doubt of his powers that his spirits flagged.

From Project Gutenberg

The officer in charge has repeatedly expressed dissatisfaction with my slow progress in the work.

From Project Gutenberg

It may be argued again that dissatisfaction with our life's endeavour springs in some degree from dulness.

From Project Gutenberg

Dissatisfaction is expressed at the “little reasonable ordinances” of the Gilds but not against the companies themselves.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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