dissatisfy
B2Formal
Definition
Meaning
To fail to satisfy; to leave (someone) feeling disappointed or discontented.
To cause a feeling of discontent, unmet expectations, or a sense of being let down. It implies a failure to meet a standard, desire, or need.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Most commonly used in the passive form ('dissatisfied') or as a participial adjective. The active form ('it dissatisfies me') is grammatically correct but less frequent. The word focuses on the state created by an inadequate or disappointing experience.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage patterns are identical; the verb is equally formal in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral in both, carrying a formal, somewhat detached tone.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in written, formal contexts (e.g., reports, surveys, critiques) than in everyday speech in both regions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Something] dissatisfies [someone].[Someone] is dissatisfied with/by/at [something].to find [something] dissatisfying.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[To be] a recipe for dissatisfaction”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Frequently used in customer feedback, employee surveys, and service reviews (e.g., 'The new policy dissatisfied a significant portion of the workforce.').
Academic
Used in critiques of theories, methodologies, or results (e.g., 'The simplistic model dissatisfied the peer reviewers.').
Everyday
Less common in casual speech; more likely to hear 'I'm not happy with...' or 'It was disappointing.'
Technical
Found in engineering, UX design, and product development regarding user experience and requirements.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The team's lacklustre performance is likely to dissatisfy the home supporters.
- A decision based on such flimsy evidence will only dissatisfy all parties involved.
American English
- The compromise bill is going to dissatisfy both the left and right wings of the party.
- If the product quality doesn't improve, it will continue to dissatisfy our core customers.
adjective
British English
- She gave a dissatisfied sigh and put the report aside.
- A significant number of dissatisfied customers have lodged formal complaints.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The bad weather dissatisfied the children.
- The hotel's poor service dissatisfied many guests.
- He was dissatisfied with his test results.
- The government's vague response to the crisis dissatisfied the public and the media alike.
- Politicians who make promises they cannot keep are bound to dissatisfy their electorate.
- The novel's ambiguous ending may deliberately dissatisfy readers seeking neat resolution, thereby prompting deeper reflection.
- While the treaty averted immediate conflict, its loopholes dissatisfied the more hawkish elements within the security council.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: DIS (not) + SATISFY (to please). It's the opposite of satisfy.
Conceptual Metaphor
SATISFACTION IS FULLNESS / DISSATISFACTION IS EMPTINESS or LACK.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque from Russian 'диссидентифицировать' (dissidentify). 'Dissatisfy' relates to contentment, not identity.
- Do not confuse with 'disqualify' (дисквалифицировать).
- The Russian 'разочаровывать' is a closer synonym for 'disappoint', which overlaps in meaning.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'I dissatisfy the food.' (Use passive: 'I am dissatisfied with the food.' or 'The food dissatisfies me.')
- Incorrect: 'He felt very dissatisfying.' (Use adjective: 'He felt very dissatisfied.' or 'He found it very dissatisfying.')
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'dissatisfy' correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is more common in formal writing. In everyday speech, people more often say 'disappointed with', 'not happy with', or 'unhappy with'.
'Dissatisfy' implies a failure to meet expectations or standards, often leading to ongoing discontent. 'Disappoint' is broader, focusing on the sadness or let-down from failed hopes or expectations. They are often interchangeable, but 'dissatisfy' is more formal and relates to a state of being unfulfilled.
It is grammatically possible but highly unusual (e.g., 'My own laziness dissatisfies me.'). The structure 'I am dissatisfied with...' or '[Something] dissatisfies me' is far more natural.
The noun form is 'dissatisfaction'. (e.g., 'The plan caused widespread dissatisfaction.')
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