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

Businesses unhappy with the findings could reject them and pursue a claim against a provider through the county courts.

From BBC

Police said the driver was unhappy with a divorce settlement, but the incident sparked questions about a recent spate of public violence in the country.

From BBC

Iza allegedly took the man’s phone and used it to transfer money to himself because he was unhappy with the festivities.

From Los Angeles Times

This gives victims the right to a review when unhappy with a police decision not to charge, after a suspect has been interviewed under caution.

From BBC

He not only failed to transmit his ideas but the players were visibly sad, unhappy or overlooked.

From BBC

Related Words

• depressed
• despondent
• miserable
• not happy
• sorry