English Reference

Word

displeased

Phoneticsdis·pleased, stress on the second syllable

US/dɪsˈpɫizd/

UK/dɪsplˈiːzd/

Formal

Definition

v. feeling unhappy or not satisfied with something. You use this when you are annoyed or upset about a situation.

v. feeling or showing dissatisfaction or unhappiness. Often used in formal or professional contexts to describe a negative emotional state.

Examples

“The manager was displeased with the poor quality of the work.”

“The board of directors remained visibly displeased with the quarterly report, citing a significant decline in market share that had not been predicted by their analysts.”

Examples

simple

“The manager was displeased with the poor quality of the work.”

complex

“The board of directors remained visibly displeased with the quarterly report, citing a significant decline in market share that had not been predicted by their analysts.”

Real-World Examples

“In Ohio, many people are displeased with the state's rapid buildout of data centers.”
NPR 28 Oct 2026

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944EikenEikenTest in Practical English ProficiencyThe English proficiency test from the Eiken Foundation of Japan, widely taken by Japanese students. Grades run from 5 to 1, with Pre-1 and Pre-2 between them.Pre-1
Frequency
Occasional
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

QR code

englishreference.com/q/displeased
English Reference