discontent
/dɪskənˈtɛnt
/noun [mass noun]
1Dissatisfaction with one’s circumstances; lack of contentment: voters voiced discontent with both parties [count noun]: the discontents of the working class...
- I have an odd emotional reaction to tax season, which has nothing to do with resentment over paying or discontent with the federal government.
- The internet may well be the only way we can communicate our frustration and discontent with the sad state of affairs we find ourselves in.
- The economy is still on a knife-edge and there is growing popular discontent with falling living standards and the lack of basic democratic rights.
Synonyms
dissatisfaction, disaffection, discontentment, discontentedness, disgruntlement, grievances, unhappiness, displeasure, bad feelings, resentment, envy;
restlessness, unrest, uneasiness, unease, disquiet, fretfulness, frustration, impatience, irritation, chagrin, annoyance, pique
informal a chip on one's shoulder
1.1 [count noun] A person who is dissatisfied, typically with the prevailing social or political situation: the cause attracted a motley crew of discontents and zealots...
- But until then, lower class revolt could merge with the discontents of political and social elites, as in the great revolts of the middle decades of the century, to threaten the political stability of the governments of the day.
- The interval had rumbled to the sound of the crowd hailing their habitual invective down on him, but the players soon gave the discontents something more positive to shout about.
- To add that this biumverate will lead the charge against the country will make the discontents all that stronger.
adjective
Dissatisfied: he was discontent with his wages...
- All around us there are other women, seemingly not hurt, making small talk, acting normal, which means happy, not discontent, certainly not devastated.
- The discontent voices really didn't seem that incensed, and the energy of the crowd as if it was felt wanting in resolve and determination.
- Another smile played at her lips, and though she'd been discontent the day before, she couldn't recall a single complaint in that moment.
Derivatives
discontentment
/ noun ...- Envy is defined as discontentment with one's lot and a desire for the attributes or possessions of another person.
- These problems easily can lead to discontentment and frustration for new staff members and may hamper the learning experience.
- The article really hit home for me and spoke to the root of my restlessness and discontentment in life.