# dissatisfaction

/ˌdɪsætɪsˈfækʃən/ (US) · /dɪsˌætɪsfˈækʃən/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dissatisfaction
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

the feeling of not being happy or satisfied with something. You feel this when something is not as good as you expected it to be.

For teachers: a lack of satisfaction or contentment with a situation, product, or person. Often followed by the prepositions 'with' or 'at'.

## Examples

- The customers expressed their dissatisfaction with the slow service.
- Widespread dissatisfaction with the new company policy led to a series of protests from the staff.
- The survey revealed a growing dissatisfaction among the electorate regarding the government's inability to address rising inflation and housing costs.

## Pitfalls

- Not "his dissatisfaction about the results" but "his dissatisfaction with the results" — Dissatisfaction is typically paired with 'with' or 'at', rather than 'about'.

## Usage notes

- Uncountable when referring to the general state of being unhappy; countable when referring to specific instances or complaints.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.