displeasure

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'displeasure' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to an annoyed or displeased feeling or attitude. For example, "He watched his son with a look of displeasure, disappointed by his lack of effort."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A former senior diplomat to Indonesia, John McCarthy, said the Abbott government had no choice but to react with "uncompromising displeasure".

The Guardian

I can see why a woman might wish to change her name in order to leave certain aspects of her past behind; why she might, after seeing her husband's displeasure at the idea of her keeping her name, opt for an easy life; and why, for instance, in 1924 a certain Emily Smellie might have rejoiced to change her name to Emily Hall.

The Guardian - Books

Abbott reiterated his commitment to strip World Heritage listing from 74,000 hectares of Tasmanian forest, and signalled displeasure at the extent of national parks in general, which cover almost 4% of Australia's land mass.

The Guardian

"Indonesia dismissed our representations and we have no choice but to react with uncompromising displeasure.

The Guardian

Insiders said some members of the board were not happy that they were forced to rubber-stamp the appointment of Harding as the last editor of the Times, and made their displeasure known to Thomson.

The Guardian

US officials had floated the idea of sending a non-cabinet level official to show displeasure with the Israeli prime minister Binyamin Netanyahu's speech to Congress next week in which he will argue against an Iran deal.

The Guardian

Recently, when I voiced my displeasure on social media about this practice, I got the full range of excuses.

The Guardian - Opinion

While Bergman radiated his displeasure from the far-flung Baltic island of Fårö, Haneke's decision to brave the flashbulbs and Klieg lights has proven one of the more illicit delights of the season – one documented, naturally enough, by a fake Twitter account.

The Guardian - Film

The club's fans showed their displeasure on Saturday with a banner reminding the club's leadership that they had called for a strengthening of the defence and midfield over the summer.

The Guardian - Sport

Called silver plate, this allowed the growing merchant class in Britain and elsewhere to eat with only the minimum of oral displeasure.

The Guardian - Tech

As the crowd howled its displeasure, Podolski realised his luck was in, sized up Neuer's position and lashed into the roof of the net.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "displeasure" to express a more formal or official sense of dissatisfaction, particularly in professional or news contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "displeasure" when a stronger term like "anger" or "outrage" more accurately reflects the intensity of the emotion. "Displeasure" suggests a milder form of dissatisfaction.

Linguistic Context

The noun "displeasure" functions primarily to express a state of dissatisfaction, disapproval, or annoyance. Ludwig shows that it often appears as the object of verbs like "express", "show", or "signal", indicating a communicated feeling.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "displeasure" is a grammatically sound noun used to express feelings of dissatisfaction or disapproval. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples of its usage across diverse contexts, notably in news, business, and formal settings. The term, while quite common, leans towards formality and is best employed when a more serious or official tone is needed. Related terms like "dissatisfaction" and "annoyance" offer alternative ways to convey similar sentiments, but "displeasure" distinguishes itself through its frequent appearance in formal communication and its ability to express more than a personal feeling. By considering these nuances, you can more effectively employ "displeasure" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dissatisfaction

Focuses on the unmet expectations or unfulfilled desires that cause unhappiness.

discontent

Emphasizes a restless or uneasy feeling stemming from a lack of satisfaction.

disapproval

Stresses the act of disagreeing or condemning something.

annoyance

Highlights a mild degree of irritation or vexation.

irritation

Refers to a state of being provoked or impatient, often by something minor.

indignation

Expresses strong displeasure mixed with anger, often related to injustice.

exasperation

Conveys intense irritation or frustration.

resentment

Implies a feeling of bitter indignation at having been treated unfairly.

chagrin

Highlights a feeling of vexation marked by disappointment or failure.

objection

Focuses on raising concerns or protesting against something.

FAQs

How can I appropriately use "displeasure" in a sentence?

Use "displeasure" to convey dissatisfaction or disapproval in a formal or serious tone. For example, "The board expressed its "displeasure" with the company's recent performance."

What are some alternative words for "displeasure" that I can use?

You can use alternatives like "dissatisfaction", "discontent", or "annoyance" depending on the context and the intensity of the emotion you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "displeasure" and "disappointment"?

"Displeasure" generally refers to a feeling of dissatisfaction or disapproval, while "disappointment" implies sadness or regret over unmet expectations. "Displeasure" is often more assertive than "disappointment".

When is it most appropriate to use "displeasure" rather than "frustration"?

Use "displeasure" when expressing a formal or official sentiment of disapproval, such as in business or political contexts. "Frustration" is typically more personal and emotional. For example, a government might express "displeasure" with another nation's policies, while an individual might feel "frustration" with a difficult task.