Discontent
/ˌdɪs.kənˈtent/
Definitions
2 meaningsA lack of satisfaction; a feeling of unhappiness or displeasure.
/ˌdɪs.kənˈtent/
A feeling of dissatisfaction.
There was a lot of discontent among the employees regarding the new company policy.
💡 Simply: Discontent is like when you're not happy with something. Maybe you're discontent with your lunch because you wanted pizza instead. Or you're discontent with how long it takes to get somewhere.
👶 For kids: When you're not happy or satisfied with something.
More Examples
The artist's work reflected a deep sense of discontent with societal norms.
Persistent economic hardship led to a general discontent throughout the country.
How It's Used
"The rising cost of living fueled widespread discontent among the population."
"Political analysts observed growing discontent with the government's policies."
Not content; dissatisfied; uneasy.
/ˌdɪs.kənˈtent/
Feeling or expressing dissatisfaction.
The discontent employee was constantly looking for a new job.
💡 Simply: If you're discontent, you're not happy or satisfied. Like, if you're discontent with your toys, you might want new ones or different ones.
👶 For kids: Feeling a little bit sad because you are not happy.
More Examples
Her discontent expression showed she wasn't enjoying the party.
The discontent customers demanded a refund.
How It's Used
"The protagonist was often discontent with his mundane life."
"Discontent individuals may seek therapy to address their negative feelings."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
harbor discontent
To hold or maintain feelings of dissatisfaction.
"He began to harbor discontent towards the company after his promotion was denied."
voice discontent
To express feelings of dissatisfaction openly.
"The workers voiced their discontent regarding the new working conditions during the meeting."
From Middle English disconfort, from Old French desconfort ('lack of comfort'), from des- (dis-) + confort ('comfort').
The word 'discontent' has been used since the 14th century, initially as a verb meaning 'to displease'. Its use as a noun and adjective followed later, indicating a growing sense of social and political unrest.
Memory tip
Think of 'dis-' (not) and 'content' (happy). Discontent is when you're NOT happy.
Word Origin
"Not content or happy. 'Dis-' from Latin 'dis-', meaning 'not', and 'content' from Latin 'contentus', meaning 'satisfied'."