displease

American

[dis-pleez] / dɪsˈpliz /

verb (used with object)

displeased, displeasing

to incur the dissatisfaction, dislike, or disapproval of; offend; annoy.

His reply displeased the judge.

verb (used without object)

displeased, displeasing

to be unpleasant; cause displeasure.

Bad weather displeases.

displease British

/ dɪsˈpliːz /

verb

to annoy, offend, or cause displeasure to (someone)

"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

Other Word Forms

displeasing adjective
displeasingly adverb
displeasingness noun
self-displeased adjective

Etymology

Origin of displease

1300–50; Middle English desplesen < Anglo-French, Middle French desplaisir. See dis- ¹, please

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.

Investors have been displeased with the iPhone maker’s slow progress in the AI space and its lackluster Apple Intelligence offering.

From MarketWatch

But online reviews left by an overwhelming number of displeased customers say otherwise.

From Salon

It has split the community with those against the use of the hotel and others displeased with regular protests and marches and an increased police presence.

From BBC

Observers suggested the pause likely reflected Colombia's deep frustration: the country had been at the forefront of efforts to include a "roadmap," and was displeased with how the talks concluded.

From Barron's

His answer must have displeased her, for her voice cut through the barracks like a siren.

From Literature

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023