dissatisfaction

[dis-sat-is-fak-shuhn, dis-sat-]

noun

1. the state or attitude of not being satisfied; discontent; displeasure.

   Synonyms: uneasiness, disapproval, disappointment

2. a particular cause or feeling of displeasure or disappointment.

   many dissatisfactions with the plan.

dissatisfaction

/ dɪsˌsætɪsˈfækʃən /

noun

1. the state of being unsatisfied or disappointed

Other Word Forms

• predissatisfaction noun
• self-dissatisfaction noun
• dissatisfactory adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of dissatisfaction¹

First recorded in 1630–40; dis- ¹ + satisfaction

Synonym Study

Dissatisfaction, discontent, displeasure imply a sense of dislike for, or unhappiness in, one's surroundings. Dissatisfaction results from contemplating what falls short of one's wishes or expectations: dissatisfaction with the results of an afternoon's work. Discontent is a sense of lack and a general feeling of uneasy dislike for the conditions of one's life: feeling a continual vague discontent. Displeasure suggests a certain amount of anger as well as dissatisfaction: displeasure at being kept waiting.

Example Sentences

On Saturday the Chinese Foreign Ministry office in Hong Kong expressed “strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition” to what it called the senators’ interference in China’s affairs.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Four years ago, a Republican won the governor's race in Virginia, an electoral battleground that has trended left in recent presidential elections, providing an early sign of voter dissatisfaction with President Joe Biden.

Read more on BBC

“There is a lot of distrust and dissatisfaction that’s been built up against the people who are at the top of decision making on lab.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Protesters followed his family on vacations and stood outside his home shouting their dissatisfaction daily.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The protests began over anger with repeated water and power cuts, then escalated to reflect wider dissatisfaction with Rajoelina's government over high unemployment, corruption, and the cost-of-living crisis.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• annoyance 
• anxiety 
• boredom 
• complaint 
• disappointment 
• disapproval 
• discomfort 
• discontent 
• dismay 
• displeasure 
• disquiet 
• distaste 
• exasperation 
• frustration 
• irritation 
• regret 
• resentment 
• uneasiness www.thesaurus.com
• unhappiness www.thesaurus.com
• weariness