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Captain Harry Kane is unhappy with the number of players who have withdrawn from the latest England squad, insisting "England comes before club".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

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

The one-term president made it clear he was unhappy with the results but hoped the country would continue the upward trajectory his administration set in motion.

From Salon

Related Words

• depressed
• despondent
• miserable
• not happy
• sorry