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

Always seeking the safety of middle ground, he’s too willing to bend to necessity to satisfy Coriolanus’ narrow militaristic idealism.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 1, 2026

Letlhogonolo Mogale, who binged the show days after its release, described Jonasi as an "serial cheater" and "opportunist who would do anything to satisfy himself".

From BBC • Jun. 26, 2026

I’ll admit, one can of soup usually isn’t enough to satisfy my hunger.

From Salon • Jun. 13, 2026

Until they do, a 4.2% yield on a short-term note like the two-year is enough to satisfy the desire to earn income.

From Barron's • Jun. 11, 2026

Even Fat Cheeks wouldn’t march the troop into the lake to satisfy his pride.

From "A Girl Named Disaster" by Nancy Farmer

Related Words

• disappoint
• perturb