discontent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "discontent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express dissatisfaction or unhappiness with a situation or condition. Example: "The employees expressed their discontent with the new policies during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"There's general discontent and boredom among young people with the two established parties," said Krzysztof Bobiński, a political commentator close to Civic Platform.

The Guardian

While Sinn Féin may exploit the seething discontent with the political establishment and the Irish banking system, the chronic state of the Republic's finances highlights a gaping and growing faultline on this island.

The Guardian

Though it helped Harold Wilson defeat Edward Heath it fed industrial militancy and led to the winter of discontent and the Labour government's defeat in 1979.

The Guardian

This weekend they face the Republic of Ireland in Group C after victories over the Faroe Islands and Austria, but Schweini's outburst means the slightest whiff of discontent will be pounced upon by the German press.

The Guardian - Sport

"Right at the moment I am encountering a lot of unrest and discontent," Wilkie said.

The Guardian

Neither of these cuts were met with surprise and discontent; instead, many industry pundits welcomed them.

The Guardian

They insist they are acting as channels for broader discontent.

The Guardian

Across rural and regional Australia, discontent has been bubbling to the surface around issues such as land use, internet and mobile black spots and budget cuts to services.

The Guardian

By a quirk of timing, I am transcribing letters home to my parents in Stoke, covering the period in 1978-79 that became known as "the winter of discontent".

The Guardian

Uzbekistan's practice of sending forced labourers to pick the cotton harvest causes a furore among right groups abroad every year, but now there are rumblings of discontent from within the country.

The Guardian

That means having less understanding of, say, the pivotal importance of the miners' strike (Billy Elliot's background) in postwar British history; likewise the winter of discontent in Ratcatcher.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "discontent" to describe a general feeling of dissatisfaction among a group of people or within a system. For example, "There is growing discontent among voters regarding the new tax policy."

Common error

Avoid using "discontent" as a verb. It functions primarily as a noun or adjective. Instead of saying "The situation discontents him", use "The situation makes him discontented" or "He feels discontented with the situation".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "discontent" is as a noun, representing a state of dissatisfaction or a longing for better circumstances. According to Ludwig, this usage is correct and applicable in various contexts. It can also function as an adjective, though the form "discontented" is more common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

16%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "discontent" functions primarily as a noun to express a state of dissatisfaction or longing for better circumstances. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across diverse contexts. While it can also serve as an adjective (though "discontented" is more common), avoid using it as a verb. The phrase is frequently employed in news and media, as well as in formal and business settings, reflecting its suitability for expressing social, political, or systemic dissatisfaction. For alternatives, consider "dissatisfaction", "unhappiness", or "resentment", based on the specific shade of meaning you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dissatisfaction

Direct synonym, referring to a lack of satisfaction.

unhappiness

A general feeling of being sad or displeased.

resentment

A feeling of bitter indignation or ill-will.

unease

A feeling of discomfort or anxiety.

grievance

A real or imagined wrong or other cause for complaint or protest, especially unfair treatment.

displeasure

A feeling of offense or disapproval.

indignation

Anger or annoyance provoked by what is perceived as unfair treatment.

frustration

The feeling of being upset or annoyed as a result of being unable to change or achieve something.

restlessness

Inability to stay still or be happy in a place or situation.

malaise

A general feeling of discomfort, illness, or unease whose exact cause is difficult to identify.

FAQs

How to use "discontent" in a sentence?

"Discontent" can be used as a noun to describe a state of dissatisfaction, as in "The new policies caused widespread discontent". It can also be used as an adjective, though the form "discontented" is more common.

What can I say instead of "discontent"?

You can use alternatives like "dissatisfaction", "unhappiness", or "resentment" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "discontent" or "discontented"?

"Discontent" is primarily a noun referring to the state of being dissatisfied. "Discontented" is an adjective meaning not content or satisfied. For example, "He felt discontent" (noun) vs. "He was a discontented worker" (adjective).

What's the difference between "discontent" and "unhappiness"?

While both indicate negative feelings, "discontent" often implies a specific cause or grievance, particularly related to a situation or system. "Unhappiness" is a more general term for sadness or lack of joy. You might feel "discontent" with your job and general "unhappiness" with life circumstances.