dysphoric

American  

[dis-fawr-ik, -for-] / dɪsˈfɔr ɪk, -ˈfɒr- /

adjective

1. relating to, experiencing, generating, or expressing a state or feeling of dissatisfaction, anxiety, or restlessness.

   The study addresses questions around the pathophysiology of depression, substance abuse, and other dysphoric clinical states.

   Sometimes I actually relish a film that's creepy, dysphoric, or even violent.

---

Etymology

Origin of dysphoric

dysphor(ia) ( def. ) + -ic ( def. )

Explanation

Someone who feels dysphoric is unhappy and full of anxiety. If your friend spends most of his time sighing, moping, and crying, he's probably dysphoric — and you should probably see if he wants to talk. Euphoria is a state of extreme happiness, and dysphoria is the opposite: it’s a negative feeling, especially about life in general. When someone is full of dysphoria, they’re dysphoric: unhappy. Being dysphoric is a lot like being depressed. If you are familiar with the Winnie-the-Pooh stories by A. A. Milne, then you know Eeyore — a dysphoric donkey.

Example Sentences

“We both have this, like, dysphoric view of ourselves and what we can accomplish—and I think that’s part of the beautiful co-dependency of the friendship.”

From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026

But Nichole had to wait until she was 20 to give the condition a name - premenstrual dysphoric disorder, or PMDD.

From BBC • Jan. 16, 2024

At the same time, other people may use the pill to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder—severe irritability, depression, or anxiety in the weeks leading up to your period.

From National Geographic • Jul. 19, 2023

“Having a child would be extremely dysphoric for me,” said Ladner Stroud, 31, in Washington state.

From Slate • Jul. 29, 2022

I was curious and concerned for his range of dysphoric emotions, even despair, that appeared to pervade his visit and the related writing hours thereafter.

From Washington Post • Oct. 23, 2020