malcontent

American  

[mal-kuhn-tent] / ˌmæl kənˈtɛnt /

adjective

1. not satisfied or content with currently prevailing conditions or circumstances.

2. dissatisfied with the existing government, administration, system, etc.

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noun

1. a malcontent person, especially one who is chronically discontented or dissatisfied.

   Synonyms:

   faultfinder, complainer, grumbler

malcontent British  

/ ˈmælkənˌtɛnt /

adjective

1. disgusted or discontented

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noun

1. a person who is malcontent

Other Word Forms

• malcontentedly adverb
• malcontentedness noun

Etymology

Origin of malcontent

1575–85; < Middle French, Old French; mal-, content ²

Example Sentences

She’s the kind of malcontent who will, in all sincerity, accuse people of being “in cahoots.”

From New York Times • Feb. 29, 2024

But he’s a malcontent who has won an MVP award and four scoring titles while averaging at least 20 points a game for the last 11 seasons.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 31, 2023

Most prominently, Jalen Ramsey was considered an attention-seeking malcontent by many after he forced his way out of Jacksonville, but the cornerback has become an All-Pro and an exemplary leader in Los Angeles.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 31, 2021

The year I turned 15 — a malcontent at odds with my stepmom — I returned to my dad and brother in Washington State.

From Salon • Jun. 19, 2021

I worried that an appearance in Ossining might present some malcontent with an opportunity to come after me.

From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover