Words / B2

dis-SAT-isf-yd/dɪsˈsætɪsfaɪd/

Dissatisfied means not pleased because something is not as good as you wanted: dissatisfied with; a dissatisfied customer. Unhappy is everyday; discontented is a close twin; unsatisfied often means a need is not filled (hunger), while dissatisfied judges quality. A dissatisfied sample still needs the n and the item they named. Mix-up: dissatisfied vs unsatisfied; dissatisfied vs disaffected; do not write dissatisfied for a missing data cell.

Meaning

Not pleased because something is not as good as you wanted (dissatisfied with).

Examples

• “A dissatisfied sample still needs the n and the item they named, not a mood slogan.”
• “Staff were dissatisfied with the rota, which is still a named grievance — quote the hours if given.”

Good to know

dissatisfied with; a dissatisfied customer / voter. Close: unhappy / discontented. Contrast: unsatisfied (need not met). Trap: a blank response. Business, PSHE, and citizenship. Not pleased with quality — name the thing and the n.

Near in meaning

unhappy, discontented, displeased

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