general unhappiness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "general unhappiness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a broad or widespread feeling of discontent or dissatisfaction. Example: "The survey revealed a general unhappiness among employees regarding their work-life balance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

The complaints mirror general unhappiness with inflation here.

The New York Times

An exercise in understanding resulted in outrage, disparagement and general unhappiness.

The New York Times

But like "Central Station," Mr. Salles's previous film, "Midnight" finds occasions for hope in the midst of general unhappiness.

The New York Times

Cheap immigrant/H-1B visa labor is killing the standard of living for Americans, leading to general unhappiness and dissatisfaction.

The Guardian

A visit to Lower Manhattan shows that their answers, although reflecting a general unhappiness with the status quo, are by no means similar.

The New York Times

The demand for a "timetable" for his departure - code for his resignation, on a plate, and soon - had become the focus for general unhappiness among Labour MPs.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Still, even some on the left found Mr. Hollande less than inspiring in the face of stagnant economic growth, record and rising unemployment and general French unhappiness with the state of the country.

The New York Times

In a recent piece in The Atlantic titled, not terribly ironically, "How to Land Your Kid In Therapy," Lori Gottlieb, a writer and psychotherapy intern, posits that over-involved parenting is to blame for an epidemic of general, amorphous unhappiness that often comes out years later, in these kids' 20s and 30s, on a therapist's couch.

HuffPost

We were seeing more litigation and more contentiousness and a general state of unhappiness within buildings".

The New York Times

"I suspect that this was an attempt to exploit the general level of unhappiness in Laos," said Martin Stuart-Fox, a professor of history at the University of Queensland in Australia who has written a history of Laos.

The New York Times

Mr Moreno says he can feel a general mood of unhappiness in the streets of Caracas.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "general unhappiness", consider specifying the cause or scope to provide more context. For example, "general unhappiness with the company's new policies" is more informative than just "general unhappiness".

Common error

Avoid using "general unhappiness" as a vague statement. Instead, elaborate on the specifics of the situation or the reasons behind the unhappiness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "general unhappiness" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a state of widespread discontent or dissatisfaction. As Ludwig AI suggests, it accurately conveys the intended meaning.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "general unhappiness" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe widespread discontent. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. While versatile, it's best employed with specific context for clarity. Consider alternatives like "overall dissatisfaction" or "widespread discontent" depending on the desired tone. As evidenced by the provided examples, this phrase appears frequently in news, media, and scientific contexts. It effectively communicates a collective negative sentiment in various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

general dissatisfaction

Very similar, but replaces "unhappiness" with the more formal "dissatisfaction".

overall dissatisfaction

Focuses on the lack of satisfaction rather than the broader feeling of unhappiness.

widespread discontent

Emphasizes the breadth of the dissatisfaction across a population or group.

universal discontentment

Focuses on a lack of contentment and suggests it's experienced by almost everyone.

broad despondency

Indicates a state of low spirits and loss of hope affecting a large group.

prevailing malaise

Suggests a more subtle, underlying feeling of sickness or unease rather than outright unhappiness.

common sorrow

Highlights a shared experience of sadness or grief.

pervasive gloom

Highlights the negative emotional atmosphere that is spread all over.

collective despair

Implies a deeper, more intense sense of hopelessness shared by many.

national angst

Specific to a nation, suggesting a widespread anxiety or worry.

FAQs

How can I use "general unhappiness" in a sentence?

You can use "general unhappiness" to describe a widespread feeling of discontent. For example: "The survey revealed a "general unhappiness" among employees regarding their work-life balance."

What can I say instead of "general unhappiness"?

You can use alternatives like "overall dissatisfaction", "widespread discontent", or "general dissatisfaction" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "general unhappiness" in formal writing?

Yes, "general unhappiness" is acceptable in formal writing, but consider using synonyms like "overall dissatisfaction" or "widespread discontent" for a more professional tone.

What causes "general unhappiness" in a society?

Several factors can contribute to "general unhappiness", including economic instability, political unrest, social inequality, and lack of opportunities.