Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Feeling or showing a lack of contentment or satisfaction; dissatisfied: Describes a state of unhappiness or restlessness because one's desires, expectations, or needs are not met.

Usage

• The adjective discontented describes a person's emotional state. It is often used with the prepositions "with" or "about" to specify the cause of dissatisfaction.
• It can describe a temporary feeling or a more permanent character trait.
• It is more formal than the simpler word "unhappy".

Examples

• Adjective:
  • The workers were discontented with their low wages and long hours.
  • She gave a discontented sigh as she looked at the rainy weather.
  • A discontented murmur spread through the crowd.

Advanced Usage

• "to be discontented": This is the most common structure, indicating a state of dissatisfaction.
  • He has been discontented with his career for years.
• "discontented with/at/about something": Specifies the object of dissatisfaction.
  • Voters are increasingly discontented with the government's policies.

Variants and Related Words

• Discontent (n/adj): As a noun, it means a feeling of lack of satisfaction. As an adjective, it is synonymous with but less commonly used.
  • Noun: There is widespread discontent among the staff.
  • Adjective (less common): The discontent populace demanded change.
• Discontentedly (adv): In a discontented manner.
  • He stared discontentedly out the window.
• Discontentment (n): A synonym for the noun .
  • Her letter expressed deep discontentment.

Synonyms

• Dissatisfied: Not content or happy with something.
• Disgruntled: Angry or dissatisfied, often about a specific unfair treatment.
• Malcontent: A person who is dissatisfied and rebellious (often used as a noun).
• Restless: Unable to rest or relax due to boredom or dissatisfaction.

Antonyms

• Contented: Happy and satisfied.
• Satisfied: Pleased because one's needs or desires have been met.
• Happy: Feeling or showing pleasure or contentment.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• A discontented mind: A state of persistent dissatisfaction.
  • A discontented mind can never find peace.
• To sow discontent: To cause people to become dissatisfied.
  • The rebel leader sought to sow discontent among the people.

Adjective

1. showing or experiencing dissatisfaction or restless longing
   • saw many discontent faces in the room
   • was discontented with his position