dissatisfied

USAGE SUMMARY

"dissatisfied" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a feeling of displeasure or discontent with something. For example, "The customer was dissatisfied with the service they received."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Even if people are dissatisfied with their bank, it's usually cheaper not to fight than to switch.

The Economist

Dissatisfied with Oxford's response, Ramey took her complaint to the Office of the Independent Adjudicator of Higher Education.

The Guardian

The white officer, evidently dissatisfied, drew his gun and pointed it at Nesbitt's left temple.

The Guardian

"If you get out and talk to the public, you know what the public are thinking and you know they are dissatisfied with the status quo.

The Guardian

Richard Lloyd, executive director of Which?, said: "Our latest train survey showed that people are dissatisfied with the service provided by many of the operators, and it's little wonder when three in 10 people suffered a delay when they last travelled.

The Guardian

"I did not revise it because I was dissatisfied with the original, but to prove how far we have progressed since then," he explains.

The Guardian - Film

If you are dissatisfied with the MP's response, run a competitive preselection process to fairly deliver a candidate.

The Guardian

Fahmy has enlisted Clooney as his international counsel after becoming dissatisfied with the quality of legal support offered by al-Jazeera.

The Guardian

Dissatisfied with her film roles, she moved over successfully to television with The Polly Bergen Show (1957-58), in which she appeared with her singing father Bill, ending each episode with a rendition of The Party's Over.

The Guardian - Film

Although he finished it on 29 March 1900, he was always dissatisfied with his work, and began to make revisions even as it was being submitted to New York publishers.

The Guardian - Books

If you are dissatisfied with what happened, the courts are there.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dissatisfied", clearly state the object or situation causing the dissatisfaction to provide context and avoid ambiguity. For instance, "dissatisfied with the product quality" is more effective than simply "dissatisfied".

Common error

Avoid using "dissatisfied" in isolation. Always specify what is causing the dissatisfaction. For example, instead of saying "The customers were dissatisfied", specify "The customers were dissatisfied with the long wait times".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "dissatisfied" is as an adjective. It typically modifies a noun or pronoun to describe a state of discontent or lack of satisfaction. Ludwig provides examples of its usage in diverse contexts, confirming its adjectival role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Formal & Business

26%

Science

26%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dissatisfied" functions as an adjective used to express a state of discontent or lack of satisfaction. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts. It appears frequently in News & Media and Formal & Business settings. To ensure clarity, it's best practice to specify the cause of dissatisfaction. Related terms include "discontented", "displeased", and "unsatisfied", each carrying slightly different connotations. This guide offers practical advice for using "dissatisfied" effectively and avoiding common errors, helping you communicate your message with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unsatisfied

A direct synonym, highlighting the lack of fulfillment of a need or desire.

discontented

Implies a general lack of satisfaction with one's circumstances.

displeased

Suggests a mild form of dissatisfaction, often in response to a specific action or event.

disgruntled

Indicates a feeling of resentment or annoyance due to unmet expectations.

frustrated

Emphasizes the feeling of being blocked or hindered from achieving a goal.

fed up

Expresses a state of weariness and impatience, often due to repeated negative experiences.

disaffected

Suggests a sense of alienation and detachment, often from a larger system or group.

malcontent

Refers to someone who is chronically dissatisfied and often expresses their discontent.

aggrieved

Indicates a feeling of being wronged or unjustly treated, often leading to a formal complaint.

resentful

Highlights the bitterness and anger associated with feeling unfairly treated.

FAQs

How can I use "dissatisfied" in a sentence?

You can use "dissatisfied" to describe someone's feeling of displeasure or discontent. For example: "The customer was "dissatisfied" with the service."

What are some synonyms for "dissatisfied"?

Alternatives to "dissatisfied" include "discontented", "displeased", "unsatisfied", and "disgruntled". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "dissatisfied" and "disappointed"?

"Dissatisfied" generally refers to a lack of fulfillment or contentment, while "disappointed" implies a feeling of sadness or regret because something did not meet expectations. You might be "dissatisfied" with a product's quality, but "disappointed" that your favorite restaurant closed.

Is it better to say "not satisfied" or "dissatisfied"?

Both "not satisfied" and "dissatisfied" can be used, but "dissatisfied" is often more direct and concise. "Not satisfied" can sometimes sound less negative, depending on the context. For example you can say both "I am "dissatisfied" with your work" or "I am "not satisfied" with your work".