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

A top executive of a food company used to hosting lavish parties in his central London penthouse, it was feeling unhappy about his appearance that compelled him to act.

Read more on BBC

I was 80 minutes on the bench like really unhappy with the manager - 'why don't you put me on?' - and we're losing the game and football's so emotional.

Read more on BBC

Another resident of the capital, Bissau, said he was unhappy about the situation.

Read more on BBC

In December 2023, the decision was made to transfer them to a Catholic care home, where they felt unhappy.

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It was around this time, as the company struggled with unhappy shareholders, regulators and customers, that Tenev changed his mindset, those close to him said.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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