dysphoria

American  

[dis-fawr-ee-uh] / dɪsˈfɔr i ə /

noun

1. a state of dissatisfaction, anxiety, or restlessness.

   Growing up with alcoholic parents can produce dysphoria and low self-esteem in adulthood.

   One cannot predict the nature and extent of the damage caused by the current economic and social dysphoria.

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dysphoria British  

/ dɪsˈfɒrɪk, dɪsˈfɔːrɪə /

noun

1. a feeling of being ill at ease

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Other Word Forms

• dysphoric adjective

Etymology

Origin of dysphoria

First recorded in 1835–45; from New Latin, from Greek dysphoría “malaise, discomfort,” equivalent to dys- dys- + phor(ós) “bearing” + -ia -ia

Explanation

Dysphoria is a state of mental discomfort or suffering. When you feel dysphoria — and we hope you rarely do — you feel depressed and awful. Euphoria is a state of joy or bliss: dysphoria is the opposite. It’s a state of unease, anxiety, and misery. Dysphoria is very similar to depression, which is also a form of extreme sadness. This is a strong word for more than being bummed: it indicates true misery. Shakespeare’s Hamlet is a well-known literary figure who wrestles with dysphoria.

Example Sentences

The study looks at how both groups fared, and it compares them to Finnish peers who were never referred for assessment or treatment related to gender dysphoria.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

Clinical studies involving stroke, anorexia nervosa, and body integrity dysphoria suggest that problems with thermal perception can occur alongside disruptions in body ownership.

From Science Daily • Jan. 4, 2026

The memo specified that military bases must identify service members diagnosed with or exhibiting symptoms of gender dysphoria.

From BBC • Jun. 30, 2025

Instead, they could get medical treatments that prevented gender dysphoria, experience validation from trusted adults, and engage in social life as their full selves.

From Slate • Jan. 31, 2025

Still, rising anti-Americanism may have more to do with a nonspecific wave of gloom and dysphoria than with concrete American policies.

From The Belgian Curtain Europe after Communism by Vaknin, Samuel