unhappiness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unhappiness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being unhappy or a feeling of discontent. Example: "Her unhappiness was evident in her lack of enthusiasm for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When loneliness takes hold, the ways we see ourselves and others, along with the kinds of responses we expect from others, are heavily influenced by both our feelings of unhappiness and threat".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

While Otamendi is thought to have a buy-out clause of €60m (£43m), Van Gaal will also have noted Dani Alves' unhappiness at Barcelona.

The Guardian - Sport

Doctors across Europe are warning that the soaring use of antidepressants is down to growing pressure to "medicalise" unhappiness, complaining that a lack of time and meagre availability of other therapies meant that physicians reach for the prescription pad far too often.

The Guardian

It offended me because it served to highlight my unhappiness with my own self.

The Guardian

Hellawell said Ashley was "fully committed" to achieving the stretching targets laid down under the scheme and indicated that including the founder of the chain in the plan may have caused unhappiness among staff.

The Guardian - Business

It would be sure, it seems, to spread unhappiness to force them".

The Guardian - Opinion

There was unhappiness among the local party rank and file after Labour's central command failed to shortlist any local candidates to fight the byelection.

The Guardian

The subtext of the unhappiness appears to be about being a party in coalition.

The Guardian

In this painting, there is deep respect and human sympathy for a woman whose illness seems mostly visible as deep unhappiness.

The Guardian

Both Republicans and Democrats expressed unhappiness with the bill.

The Guardian

The rapid growth of gated communities around the world is contrary to the democratic and open city and belongs instead to a dystopian future of mass surveillance and profound unhappiness, the UN's housing chief has warned.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "unhappiness", provide specific context to clarify the cause or source of the feeling. For example, instead of just stating "there was unhappiness", specify "there was unhappiness among the staff due to the new policy".

Common error

Avoid attributing "unhappiness" to vague or overly broad factors without sufficient evidence. Ensure that the reasons provided are concrete and directly linked to the feeling of unhappiness being described.

Linguistic Context

The word "unhappiness" functions primarily as a noun, representing the state or feeling of not being happy. Ludwig shows its usage across various contexts, confirming its role in describing emotional states or conditions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unhappiness" is a common and versatile noun used to describe the state of not being happy. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriateness across various writing styles. It is frequently found in news and media, as well as formal and business contexts. When using "unhappiness", it's beneficial to provide specific context to clarify the cause. Related terms include ""sadness"", ""discontentment"", and ""dissatisfaction"", each offering nuances for different situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sadness

Focuses specifically on the emotional state of being sad.

discontentment

Highlights a lack of satisfaction with one's circumstances.

dissatisfaction

Emphasizes a feeling of displeasure because expectations haven't been met.

misery

Indicates a profound state of suffering and distress.

wretchedness

Suggests a state of extreme unhappiness or misfortune.

despair

Implies a complete loss of hope and a feeling of utter sadness.

sorrow

Refers to a feeling of deep sadness, often caused by loss.

gloom

Describes a pervasive feeling of sadness and negativity.

malaise

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

anguish

Conveys intense suffering, often both physical and mental.

FAQs

How can I use "unhappiness" in a sentence?

You can use "unhappiness" to describe a general state of discontent or a specific instance of being unhappy. For example, "The widespread "unhappiness" was evident after the announcement."

What are some alternatives to the word "unhappiness"?

Alternatives to "unhappiness" include "sadness", "discontentment", and "dissatisfaction", each carrying slightly different nuances.

Is it correct to use "unhappiness" in formal writing?

Yes, "unhappiness" is perfectly acceptable in formal writing. It's a standard noun that clearly conveys a state of being unhappy.

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

"Unhappiness" is a general state of being not happy, while "misery" implies a more profound and intense state of suffering. "Misery" suggests a deeper level of distress than simple "unhappiness".