dissatisfaction
Americannoun
-
the state or attitude of not being satisfied; discontent; displeasure.
- Synonyms:
- uneasiness, disapproval, disappointment
-
a particular cause or feeling of displeasure or disappointment.
many dissatisfactions with the plan.
noun
Related Words
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.
Other Word Forms
- dissatisfactory adjective
- predissatisfaction noun
- self-dissatisfaction noun
Etymology
Origin of dissatisfaction
First recorded in 1630–40; dis- 1 + satisfaction
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.
Throughout the year, several high-profile OpenAI commitments have sputtered, thanks to the company’s newfound frugality as well as an increasing sense of dissatisfaction from its business pals.
From Slate • Mar. 25, 2026
Amid the tensions, Gulf leaders have also expressed growing dissatisfaction with Washington.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 19, 2026
"I can see a lot of dissatisfaction with the war among ordinary people," he added.
From BBC • Mar. 6, 2026
Both goals are unchanged from last year, suggesting continuity even as a slowing economy raises the risks of increased social dissatisfaction.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 5, 2026
Filled with dissatisfaction, I stepped from the church.
From "Crispin: The Cross of Lead" by Avi
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
