be dissatisfied

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be dissatisfied" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a feeling of discontent or unhappiness with a situation or outcome. Example: "Many employees tend to be dissatisfied with their work environment if they feel undervalued."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Now it was Blake's turn to be dissatisfied.

Princeton University

I can't be dissatisfied with anything we've done all season.

The New York Times - Sports

You should always be dissatisfied with your own work.

The Guardian - Books

(Trump is widely believed to be dissatisfied with Tillerson).

The New Yorker

Steven Spielberg is said to be dissatisfied on several points.

The New York Times - Tech

Might the women be dissatisfied with their bourgeois existence?

The New York Times - Arts

Asking customers about their wants increases the probability that they will be dissatisfied.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

By contrast, half of Obama's supporters say they would be dissatisfied with Mrs. Clinton.

The New York Times

UNRESOLVED QUESTIONS -- Mr. Conrad is said to be dissatisfied with some of Mr. Gore's answers.

The New York Times

They'll be dissatisfied by a film that would rather evoke than supply.

The Guardian - Film

There are also age differences, with people in their thirties the most likely to be dissatisfied.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be dissatisfied", ensure the context clearly indicates the source or cause of the dissatisfaction. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "be dissatisfied" without specifying what is causing the dissatisfaction. Instead of saying "People tend to be dissatisfied", provide context: "People tend to be dissatisfied with long waiting times."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be dissatisfied" functions as a predicate adjective within a sentence. It describes the state or condition of a subject, indicating a lack of satisfaction or contentment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and commonly used English phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

28%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be dissatisfied" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to convey a lack of contentment or satisfaction. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and the examples showcase its wide application across diverse contexts such as news, science, and academia. While generally neutral in tone, it's crucial to provide specific context regarding the cause of dissatisfaction to ensure clarity. Consider using alternative phrases like "feel discontented" or "be displeased" for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feel discontented

Changes the verb to "feel" and uses the adjective "discontented" to convey a similar meaning.

be displeased

Replaces "dissatisfied" with "displeased", indicating a state of unhappiness or disapproval.

be frustrated

Indicates a feeling of annoyance and impatience due to unmet expectations.

be disappointed

Focuses on the feeling of sadness or regret caused by the non-fulfillment of expectations.

lack contentment

Emphasizes the absence of satisfaction or happiness with the current situation.

be not content

A more direct way of saying one is not satisfied or happy.

be unhappy

A general term for not being satisfied or pleased.

feel aggrieved

Implies a sense of injustice or unfair treatment, leading to dissatisfaction.

be resentful

Suggests a feeling of bitterness or indignation as a result of perceived unfairness.

harbor grievances

Implies a persistent feeling of dissatisfaction and complaint.

FAQs

What are some alternative ways to say "be dissatisfied"?

You can use alternatives like "feel discontented", "be displeased", or "be frustrated" depending on the context.

How can I use "be dissatisfied" in a sentence?

You can use "be dissatisfied" to express a lack of contentment with something. For example: "Customers may "be dissatisfied" with the service if it's not up to par."

Is it better to use "be dissatisfied" or "be disappointed"?

The choice between ""be dissatisfied"" and "be disappointed" depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. "Be dissatisfied" generally implies a lack of contentment, while "be disappointed" suggests a feeling of sadness or regret due to unmet expectations.

What's the difference between "be dissatisfied with" and "be dissatisfied by"?

"Be dissatisfied with" is generally used when referring to a specific thing or situation, while "be dissatisfied by" is used when referring to an action or event. For example: "They "be dissatisfied" with the product" vs "They "be dissatisfied" by the company's response".