unhappy

[uhn-hap-ee]

adjective

unhappier, unhappiest 

1. sad; miserable; wretched.

   Why is she so unhappy?

   Synonyms: distressed, cheerless, downcast, sorrowful

2. unfortunate; unlucky.

   an unhappy incident.

   Synonyms: hapless

3. unfavorable; inauspicious.

   an unhappy omen.

   Synonyms: unpropitious

4. infelicitous; unsuitable.

   an unhappy choice of words.

   Synonyms: inapt, inappropriate

5. Archaic.,  causing trouble; reprehensible; troublesome.

unhappy

/ ʌnˈhæpɪ /

adjective

1. not joyful; sad or depressed

2. unfortunate or wretched

   an unhappy fellow

3. tactless or inappropriate

   an unhappy remark

4. archaic,  unfavourable

Other Word Forms

• unhappily adverb
• unhappiness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unhappy¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English: “causing misfortune, objectionable”; un- ¹ + happy

Example Sentences

Although the home could well be seen as something of a high point in the couple’s real estate journey, it also holds some unhappy memories.

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PC Thorogood said he asked Mr Lennon where he was going and that he was "unhappy" with the account Mr Lennon gave.

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The word for that kind of group being in charge is kakistocracy, which is an unhappy-sounding term that describes a devastatingly unhappy situation: government by the worst people.

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In stark contrast to Martin's unhappy experience, Gerrard hit the ground running at Rangers, going 12 games without defeat until his first visit to Celtic Park.

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It also included what it called "fair principles" for how websites are ranked in search results, and an "effective complaints process" for businesses unhappy about their listing.

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Related Words

• depressed 
• despondent 
• miserable 
• not happy www.thesaurus.com
• sorry