be unhappy with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be unhappy with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing dissatisfaction or discontent regarding a person, situation, or object. Example: "She tends to be unhappy with the way her colleagues treat her during meetings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There's always some price that you'd be unhappy with.

Yale University

You might be unhappy with the price, OK?

Yale University

I should be unhappy with his performance – not Edin".

The Guardian - Sport

These customers may be unhappy with the price or product, or they may prefer a competitor.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

There had been signs that Mr Karzai would be unhappy with the results.

The Economist

China's policymakers will not be unhappy with their new, slimline figure.

The Economist

Some oil and gas companies may be unhappy with the prospects of a growing pipeline empire.

The New York Times

I've never had anybody that I've laid off be unhappy with me.

The New York Times

"People may be unhappy with my last name being Chalabi in this position," he said.

The New York Times

Complications regarding the deal still remain, with all parties understood to be unhappy with its impermanence.

The Guardian - Sport

She says the family and community will be unhappy with this verdict.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be unhappy with", ensure the object of your unhappiness is clearly stated to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "be unhappy with the service" rather than just "be unhappy".

Common error

Avoid using "be unhappy with" when a stronger term like "disgusted" or "outraged" is more appropriate, especially in situations involving ethical violations or severe injustice. The phrase might downplay the intensity of the emotion you intend to convey.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be unhappy with" functions as an adjective phrase followed by a preposition. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in expressing dissatisfaction. It modifies a subject by indicating their state of displeasure regarding a specific object, situation, or person. As seen in the examples, the phrase connects the subject's feeling to the cause of their unhappiness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

17%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

9%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be unhappy with" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express dissatisfaction. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage across various contexts, from news and media to academic writing. While generally neutral in tone, it's essential to ensure the object of unhappiness is clear and to choose a more potent term if the situation warrants it. Alternatives like ""be dissatisfied with"" or ""be displeased with"" may be suitable depending on the desired level of formality. Remember to avoid the common mistake of understating severe ethical breaches by using this phrase when stronger language is necessary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be dissatisfied with

Replaces "unhappy" with a more formal synonym, "dissatisfied".

be displeased with

Substitutes "unhappy" with "displeased", indicating a more formal level of dissatisfaction.

be not content with

Expresses a lack of satisfaction, using "not content" instead of "unhappy".

feel dissatisfied towards

Changes the structure to "feel dissatisfied" and uses "towards" instead of "with".

take exception to

Indicates disagreement or disapproval in a more assertive way.

frown upon

Suggests disapproval, often in a judgmental or moral sense.

grumble about

Implies complaining or murmuring about something.

object to

Indicates a formal opposition or disagreement.

deplore

Expresses strong disapproval or condemnation.

resent

Indicates feeling bitterness or indignation about something.

FAQs

How can I use "be unhappy with" in a sentence?

You can use "be unhappy with" to express dissatisfaction or displeasure about something. For example, "I am unhappy with the quality of the product" or "She is unhappy with the decision that was made".

What are some alternatives to "be unhappy with"?

Some alternatives include "be dissatisfied with", "be displeased with", or "not content with", depending on the context and the level of formality you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "be unhappy at" instead of "be unhappy with"?

While "be unhappy" can sometimes be followed by "at" when referring to a cause (e.g., "be unhappy at the situation"), "with" is generally used when referring to the object or subject of your unhappiness (e.g., "be unhappy with the service"). Using "with" is more common in these cases.

What's the difference between "be unhappy with" and "be angry with"?

"Be unhappy with" suggests a general dissatisfaction or displeasure, while "be angry with" indicates a stronger emotion of resentment or rage towards something or someone. "Be angry with" implies a more intense emotional reaction.