Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

/ˌdɪsˈsætɪsfaɪd/

Definitions

1. Feeling displeased or unhappy due to unmet expectations or desires.
2. Having a sense of dissatisfaction or discontent with a particular situation.

Usage Examples

• She felt dissatisfied with the result of the project.
• After waiting for hours, they were dissatisfied with the service.

Etymology

The word "dissatisfied" comes from the prefix "dis-" (meaning "not" or "opposite of") combined with "satisfied" (from Latin satisfacere, meaning "to satisfy").

Synonyms

• Unhappy
• Discontent
• Displeased
• Unfulfilled
• Disgruntled

Antonyms

• Satisfied
• Content
• Pleased
• Happy
• Fulfilled

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

Pronunciations may vary across English-speaking regions. For example, in some areas of the UK, the stress may fall on the second syllable: "dis-SAT-is-fied," while in American English, the first syllable typically carries the stress.

Historical Usage

The term "dissatisfied" has been in use since the late 16th century, primarily to describe people who were not content with a particular situation or condition. It gained prominence in literary works and has remained a widely used term in both spoken and written language.

Cultural Nuances

In some cultures, dissatisfaction may be expressed openly, while in others, it is more common to mask feelings of displeasure to maintain harmony. For example, in cultures with high power distance, such as in many parts of Asia, individuals may not express dissatisfaction openly, whereas in more egalitarian cultures, such as in the United States, dissatisfaction might be voiced directly.

More Information

"Dissatisfied" is used to describe a feeling of unhappiness or displeasure with something that does not meet one's expectations or needs. It is often used in both personal and professional contexts. For instance, consumers may be dissatisfied with a product or service, or a student may feel dissatisfied with their academic performance. The feeling of dissatisfaction is common in human experiences and often prompts individuals to seek improvements or changes in the situation.