dissatisfied

American  

[dis-sat-is-fahyd] / dɪsˈsæt ɪsˌfaɪd /

adjective

1. not satisfied or pleased; discontented.

2. showing dissatisfaction.

   a dissatisfied look.

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dissatisfied British  

/ dɪsˈsætɪsˌfaɪd /

adjective

1. having or showing dissatisfaction; discontented

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• dissatisfiedness
  noun
• self-dissatisfied
  adjective
• dissatisfiedly
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of dissatisfied

First recorded in 1665–75; dissatisfy + -ed ²

Explanation

If you're dissatisfied, you're not happy — you're annoyed and disgruntled. You probably don't enjoy eating out with your parents if they're always dissatisfied with the food they order. You might be dissatisfied with the final episode of your favorite TV show, or dissatisfied with your grades n German last semester. In either case, you're not pleased. A slightly different way to be dissatisfied is to be unconvinced: "She was dissatisfied with the answer he gave when she asked when he planned to pay back the money he owed her." Dissatisfied combines dis-, "not," and satisfied, from a Latin root, satisfacere, "do enough."

Example Sentences

Merz's poll ratings have plummeted -- a survey this week by Forsa showed only 14 percent were satisfied with him, against 84 percent who were dissatisfied.

From Barron's • May 29, 2026

For a thrilling moment, the movie is a platonic rom-com about two dissatisfied artists coming together from opposite directions: Danny crumpling under mass scrutiny, Rick weary of obscurity.

From Los Angeles Times • May 28, 2026

But the company then takes an extra step: It tries to win over dissatisfied buyers with a product that is more to their liking.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 11, 2026

The trust said it recognises some families remain dissatisfied and it takes feedback seriously.

From BBC • Mar. 19, 2026

But even with this luxury, Steve was still dissatisfied.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

Related Words

• discontented