dissatisfied

dissatisfied
dissatisfied, unsatisfied
There is a subtle but significant difference in the use of these two denials of satisfaction, and this corresponds to the differing force of the prefixes dis- and un-. To be dissatisfied is to feel or show positive rejection of satisfaction: synonyms are therefore discontented, displeased, unhappy, etc. Whereas unsatisfied describes a situation rather than a feeling, and a situation that might change at that. In sum, dissatisfied (and dissatisfaction) are emotional words, whereas unsatisfied (unsatisfaction has no modern currency) is a factual one. Examples: (dissatisfied)

• Many investors are still dissatisfied with independent financial advisers —Times, 1989

• Despite being a dissatisfied customer, you tolerated their excuses —Inc Magazine, AmE 2004

• (unsatisfied) His appetite for life was sated, even if ambition remained unsatisfied —Independent, 1994

• What the response here suggests is a very strong and as yet unsatisfied demand amongst Scots for non-religious funerals —Scotsman, 2005.


Modern English usage. 2014.

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Synonyms:
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Look at other dictionaries:

  • dissatisfied — adj. in a state of sulky dissatisfaction. Syn: disgruntled. [WordNet 1.5] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • dissatisfied — index disappointed, dissident, jealous, querulous Burton s Legal Thesaurus. William C. Burton. 2006 …   Law dictionary

  • dissatisfied — [adj] discontented, unhappy annoyed, begrudging, bothered, complaining, crabby*, critical, disaffected, disappointed, disgruntled, displeased, ennuied, envious, faultfinding, fed up*, fretful, fretting, frustrated, griping, grudging, grumbling,… …   New thesaurus

  • dissatisfied — ► ADJECTIVE ▪ not content or happy …   English terms dictionary

  • dissatisfied — [dis′sat′is fīd΄, dissat′is fīd΄] adj. 1. not satisfied; displeased 2. showing dissatisfaction …   English World dictionary

  • dissatisfied — adj. VERBS ▪ be, feel ▪ become, grow ▪ remain ▪ leave sb ▪ Many people will be left dissatisfie …   Collocations dictionary

  • dissatisfied — [[t]dɪ̱ssæ̱tɪsfaɪd[/t]] ADJ GRADED: oft ADJ with n If you are dissatisfied with something, you are not contented or pleased with it. 82% of voters are dissatisfied with the way their country is being governed... Dissatisfied customers can return… …   English dictionary

  • Dissatisfied — Dissatisfy Dis*sat is*fy, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Dissatisfied}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Dissatisfying}.] To render unsatisfied or discontented; to excite uneasiness in by frustrating wishes or expectations; to displease by the want of something requisite; …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • dissatisfied — dis|sat|is|fied [dıˈsætısfaıd, dısˈsæ ] adj not satisfied because something is not as good as you had expected ≠ ↑satisfied ▪ dissatisfied clients dissatisfied with ▪ If you are dissatisfied with this product, please return it …   Dictionary of contemporary English

  • dissatisfied — adjective Date: circa 1630 expressing or showing lack of satisfaction ; not pleased or satisfied < dissatisfied customers > < dissatisfied with his response > …   New Collegiate Dictionary

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