dissatisfy

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /dɪsˈsætɪsfaɪ/

KK: /dɪsˈætɪsfaɪ/

transitive verb

Definition

To make someone unhappy or not pleased with something.

Example

The changes to the schedule may dissatisfy some employees.

Tense Forms

Past: dissatisfied

Past Participle: dissatisfied

Conversation

I was really looking forward to that concert last night.

Me too, but it ended up being a bit of a letdown.

Yeah, I felt like they really dissatisfy the audience with their performance.

Exactly! I expected so much more from them.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

disappoint

frustrate

unsettle

Antonyms

satisfy

please

delight

Root Explanation

Dissatisfy → It is formed from "dis-" (meaning apart or not) and "satisfacere" (meaning to make enough or to satisfy). The word describes the act of not making someone satisfied or content.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('dis-') making someone 'satisfied' ('satisfacere') — that's why dissatisfy means to make someone feel unsatisfied.

Visually Confused Words