displeasure
C1formal
Definition
Meaning
a feeling of annoyance, dissatisfaction, or disapproval.
Official or formal expression of disapproval; the state of being displeased, sometimes manifesting as mild anger or disappointment.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Typically denotes a stronger, more formal, or more lasting feeling than simple 'annoyance.' Often implies a reaction to a perceived offense or breach of propriety. Carries a sense of dignified or weighty disapproval.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Slightly more common in formal British contexts (e.g., 'royal displeasure').
Connotations
In both, connotes formality. In historical or hierarchical contexts (e.g., 'the king's displeasure'), it implies consequential disapproval.
Frequency
Low-frequency, formal word in both dialects. More likely found in written, official, or literary contexts than casual speech.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
to express displeasure at/with/over somethingto cause someone displeasureto incur the displeasure of someoneto someone's displeasureVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to incur someone's displeasure”
- “much to someone's displeasure”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in formal communications to express client or stakeholder dissatisfaction, e.g., 'The board voiced its displeasure with the quarterly results.'
Academic
Used in political science, history, or literature to describe official or public disapproval, e.g., 'The policy reform met with widespread displeasure among the electorate.'
Everyday
Rare in casual talk. Might be used humorously or sarcastically for minor annoyances, e.g., 'He expressed his deep displeasure at me using his favourite mug.'
Technical
Not typically a technical term. May appear in legal or diplomatic contexts regarding official statements of objection.
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- His remarks were met with considerable displeasure from the committee.
- She made no attempt to hide her displeasure at the delay.
- To incur the displeasure of the headmaster was a serious matter.
American English
- The mayor's decision sparked public displeasure.
- He wrote a letter to express his strong displeasure with the service.
- The team's performance was a source of great displeasure for the coach.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The teacher showed her displeasure with a frown.
- I felt some displeasure when my plan was cancelled.
- The manager voiced his displeasure at the team's lack of preparation.
- The new regulations have caused widespread displeasure among residents.
- The ambassador's comments incurred the official displeasure of the host government.
- She bore his displeasure with stoic silence, knowing her decision was correct.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
DIS + PLEASURE. Think of the prefix 'dis-' meaning 'not' or 'opposite of.' So, it's the opposite of pleasure.
Conceptual Metaphor
DISPLEASURE IS A SUBSTANCE/FORCE (to express displeasure, to be full of displeasure); DISPLEASURE IS A BURDEN (to bear someone's displeasure).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'неудовольствие' which can sound overly formal or archaic in similar contexts. 'Недовольство' or 'раздражение' are often closer equivalents for active dissatisfaction.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'He displeasured me' – incorrect). The verb is 'to displease.'
- Using it in overly casual contexts where 'annoyance' or 'irritation' would be more natural.
- Misspelling as 'displesure'.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following contexts is LEAST appropriate for using the word 'displeasure'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a formal word. In everyday situations, people are more likely to use 'annoyance,' 'irritation,' or simply say they are 'unhappy' or 'disappointed' with something.
Displeasure is generally less intense and more controlled than anger. It often implies disapproval and dissatisfaction, while anger suggests a stronger emotional reaction, potentially with hostility. Displeasure is more formal.
No. The noun is 'displeasure.' The corresponding verb is 'to displease' (e.g., 'His actions displeased his parents'). However, 'displease' is also quite formal and not frequently used in modern casual English.
A very common structure is 'to express/voice displeasure at/with/over something.' Another is 'to someone's displeasure' (e.g., 'To his displeasure, the meeting was postponed').