dissatisfied

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There is a subtle but significant difference in the use of these two denials of satisfaction, and this corresponds to the differing force of the prefixes dis- and un-. To be dissatisfied is to feel or show positive rejection of satisfaction: synonyms are therefore discontented, displeased, unhappy, etc. Whereas unsatisfied describes a situation rather than a feeling, and a situation that might change at that. In sum, dissatisfied (and dissatisfaction) are emotional words, whereas unsatisfied (unsatisfaction has no modern currency) is a factual one. Examples: (dissatisfied)

Many investors are still dissatisfied with independent financial advisers—Times, 1989

Despite being a dissatisfied customer, you tolerated their excuses—Inc Magazine, American English 2004

(unsatisfied) His appetite for life was sated, even if ambition remained unsatisfied—Independent, 1994

What the response here suggests is a very strong and as yet unsatisfied demand amongst Scots for non-religious funerals—Scotsman, 2005.

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adj

Definition: discontented, unhappy
Antonyms: contented, fulfilled, gratified, happy, pleased, satisfied

IN BRIEF: Not content.

He was still dissatisfied with the rice pudding recipe even after the eighth try.

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For a list of words related to dissatisfied, see:

• Sad, Serious, Pessimistic, or Discontented

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See words rhyming with "unsatisfied."