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Synonyms

displeasure

American  
[dis-plezh-er] / dɪsˈplɛʒ ər /

noun

  1. dissatisfaction, disapproval, or annoyance.

    Synonyms:
    vexation, indignation, dislike, distaste
    Antonyms:
    pleasure
  2. discomfort, uneasiness, or pain.

  3. Archaic. a cause of offense, annoyance, or injury.


verb (used with object)

displeasured, displeasuring
  1. Archaic. to displease.

displeasure British  
/ dɪsˈplɛʒə /

noun

  1. the condition of being displeased

  2. archaic

    1. pain

    2. an act or cause of offence

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

verb

  1. an archaic word for displease

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Related Words

See dissatisfaction.

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of displeasure

1400–50; dis- 1 + pleasure; replacing late Middle English desplaisir < Middle French (noun use of infinitive); see displease

Explanation

Displeasure is a feeling of unhappiness or annoyance. The displeasure on your mom's face will clearly show you how she feels about you letting your pet guinea pigs sleep in her bed. Use the word displeasure when you are irritated by something or sternly disapprove of it. If your uncle hates surprises, an enormous surprise fortieth birthday party might result in displeasure rather than the happy smile you imagined. One way for citizens to express their displeasure with elected officials is to vote against them — another might be staging a protest.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing displeasure

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Wreck has contributed to the trans and feminist-centric yearly event Grrl Fair, the Rock n’ Roll Camp for Girls Orange County and currently runs her queer-centric production company Aural Displeasure.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 14, 2023

A couple of typical ones: Displeasure with the company has even spawned a “I Hate Boingo” Twitter account.

From Slate • Nov. 15, 2013

Among Asian investors, 63 percent were optimistic about Chinese President Hu Jintao, compared with 14 percent saying the same about Kan. Displeasure with the DPJ hasn’t translated into support for the LDP.

From BusinessWeek • May 16, 2011

Jets' Revis Not Hiding His Displeasure Over Contract Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis lacks confidence that the team will complete a new deal before training camp.

From New York Times • Jun. 11, 2010

Displeasure settled on Alan's brow; he greatly objected to Elisabeth's habit of making fun of things, and had tried his best to cure her of it.

From The Farringdons by Fowler, Ellen Thorneycroft