dissatisfy

American  

[dis-sat-is-fahy] / dɪsˈsæt ɪsˌfaɪ /

verb (used with object)

dissatisfied, dissatisfying

1. to cause to be displeased, especially by failing to provide something expected or desired.

---

dissatisfy British  

/ dɪsˈsætɪsˌfaɪ /

verb

1. (tr) to fail to satisfy; disappoint

---

Etymology

Origin of dissatisfy

First recorded in 1660–70; dis- ¹ + satisfy

Explanation

When you dissatisfy someone, you don't meet their expectations. If you promise your dad a chocolate cake for his birthday, giving him a bran muffin instead might dissatisfy him. To satisfy someone is to fulfill what they need or hope for — and when you dissatisfy them, you fail to do that. Your final research paper might dissatisfy your history professor, and an expensive meal will dissatisfy you if you believe you could cook something even tastier at home. Dissatisfy combines dis-, "do the opposite of," with satisfy, from its Latin root satisfacere, "discharge fully" or "do enough."

Example Sentences

Success is, eventually, actually reading your unread books, or at least holding on to them long enough that they have the chance to satisfy, dissatisfy or dement you.

From The Guardian • Jan. 7, 2019

The more time it takes to do something, the higher your labor costs, and the more potential there is to dissatisfy the customer.

From Inc • Oct. 22, 2012

This workplace is an instance of individuals caught in the grip of unproductive systems, that systematically dispirit the staff, dissatisfy the clients and make the firm less productive than it could be.

From Forbes • Jun. 23, 2011

The court had accomplished the near impossible: it had handed down a decision that would partly satisfy most people and strongly dissatisfy only a few.

From Time Magazine Archive

In January, 1778, he opposes conciliatory measures, "lest they should dissatisfy this country, which so cheerfully and handsomely carries on the contest."

From The Great Events by Famous Historians, Volume 14 by Various

Related Words

• disappoint
• perturb