with displeasure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "with displeasure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a feeling of dissatisfaction or unhappiness regarding a situation or action. Example: "She accepted the news with displeasure, knowing it would complicate her plans."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

She grimaces with displeasure during a run.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Please do not receive my voluntary rejection with displeasure.

The Guardian

They all looked up — all the players at the table looked up, with displeasure.

The New Yorker

The former Funkadactyl stared at her partner with anger as Jimmy looked on with displeasure.

Independent

They all looked up—all the players at the table looked up, with displeasure.

The New Yorker

Orwell suspected Dickens of the same impulse, noting with displeasure that the successful novelist sent his eldest son to Eton.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Huckabee said on his website his decision "has nothing to do with specific displeasure" with Strange.

Huffington Post

The move was met with much displeasure with the crowd as a 5-1 horse was supplanted an entry that 32-1 horse, meaning much fewer winning tickets.

Los Angeles Times

"Are you sure?" she said, with theatrical displeasure.

The New Yorker

Unsurprisingly, this plan is met with deep displeasure.

The New York Times

Describing his trial at a scientific meeting the next year, Dr. Koprowski met with astonished displeasure.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "with displeasure" to convey a sense of unhappiness or disapproval without being overly aggressive. It is suitable for formal and neutral contexts where a mild expression of discontent is sufficient.

Common error

While "with displeasure" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or stiff in casual conversation. Opt for more natural expressions like "I didn't like it" or "I was not happy with it" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with displeasure" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the manner in which an action is performed or a situation is perceived. It indicates the emotional state accompanying the action. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

16%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Science

11%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "with displeasure" is a grammatically correct and commonly used way to express unhappiness or disapproval. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to indicate the manner in which an action is performed. While suitable for formal and neutral contexts, it should be used judiciously in casual settings. Related phrases such as "with disapproval" or "reluctantly" can offer more nuanced alternatives. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media, Encyclopedia, and Wiki sources, reflecting its professional and factual applications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with disapproval

Replaces "displeasure" with a more direct synonym, focusing on the act of disapproving.

with dissatisfaction

Emphasizes a lack of satisfaction as the primary sentiment.

reluctantly

Indicates unwillingness or hesitation in a single adverb.

unhappily

Focuses on the feeling of unhappiness caused by the situation.

with reservation

Suggests a degree of doubt or objection alongside the action.

with aversion

Indicates a strong feeling of dislike or repugnance.

grudgingly

Implies a resentful or unwilling manner of acceptance or compliance.

with a sour face

Describes a facial expression indicating displeasure.

in protest

Highlights the act of objecting or disagreeing with something.

with ill grace

Suggests a lack of politeness or charm in expressing displeasure.

FAQs

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

The phrase "with displeasure" is typically used after a verb to describe how someone perceives or reacts to something. For example, "She received the news "with displeasure"" or "He viewed the changes "with displeasure"".

What are some synonyms for "with displeasure"?

Alternatives to "with displeasure" include "with disapproval", "with dissatisfaction", "reluctantly", or "unhappily", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "with displeasure" in formal writing?

Yes, "with displeasure" is suitable for formal writing, as it provides a clear and professional way to express mild dissatisfaction or disapproval. However, consider the specific tone and context to ensure it aligns with the overall message.

What's the difference between "with displeasure" and "with anger"?

"With displeasure" indicates a sense of unhappiness or disapproval, whereas "with anger" conveys a stronger emotion of rage or indignation. The choice depends on the intensity of the emotion you wish to express. "With displeasure" is milder and more suitable for formal contexts, while "with anger" expresses a more intense emotional reaction.